Syracuse Will Host 2016 AHL All Star Game

The AHL all star game and skills contest is staying in New York state. The AHL board of governors has elected Syracuse as the host of the 2016 all star game.

The Syracuse Crunch, tenets of the Onondaga War County Memorial Center, are in their 22nd season of competing in the American Hockey League. They are currently the AHL affiliate of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

“As we prepare to commemorate the American Hockey League’s 80th anniversary next season, we are excited to bring the All-Star Classic to one of the cities that served as a charter member of our league in 1936,” said David Andrews, the president and CEO of the AHL via press release. “The historic War Memorial Arena will provide a perfect backdrop to celebrate our past while showcasing the brightest young stars in hockey.” 

This past season the game was held in Utica, New York, so the game will remain in state for the second straight season.

The game itself will be held on February 1st, 2016, and the league’s annual skill competition will be held on January 31st, 2016.

Via the AHL website:

“We are excited and extremely honored for our team and community to host the 2016 AHL All-Star Classic,” said Syracuse Crunch owner Howard Dolgon. “Fans from Syracuse and around the region will be treated to an amazing two-day event both on and off the ice.” 

“Hosting the 2016 AHL All-Star Classic is great news,” said Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney. “We’ve all seen Howard Dolgon’s ability to create exciting events that generate national attention for the Syracuse Crunch and I am excited to see what he has in store for the AHL All-Star Classic. Thank you to David Andrews and the AHL Board of Governors for honoring our strong hockey history and we look forward to welcoming all of you during the 80th anniversary season of the AHL.” 

Syracuse, despite the current franchise only existing for the past 22 seasons, have been a major part of AHL history in their 80 seasons, so it seems only natural to give them the all star classic as they celebrate their history. The Syracuse Stars won the first ever Caldor Cup in 1936 according to the American Hockey League website.

Historically, the AHL all star game has been an amazing showcase of future NHL players. The press release about the all star game mentions that 93% of NHL players have spent some time in the AHL.