Central Division wins 2025 AHL All-Star Challenge at Acrisure Arena
The two-night AHL All-Star Classic concluded Monday night at Acrisure Arena with the All-Star Challenge, a round-robin series of games with teams representing the AHL's four divisions.
WE (the central division) ARE THE CHAMPIONS!!👏🎶
— American Hockey League (@TheAHL) February 4, 2025
With a shootout victory, the Central Division takes the 2025 #AHLAllStar Challenge presented by Spotlight 29 Casino🏆️ pic.twitter.com/a0ciLqW4TA
The Central Division won the All-Star Challenge, defeating the Atlantic Division in a shootout.
2025 @TheAHL All-Star Challenge post game interviews with MVP Kevin Korchinski of the @goicehogs and Jani Nyman of the hometown @Firebirds. @KESQ @KenjiitoKESQ @Tarp1969 @AcrisureArena @FPC_AHL @AHLPR @FloHockey pic.twitter.com/wuIcgCvxPb
— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) February 4, 2025
Kevin Korchinski of the Rockford IceHogs was named MVP of the game, while the host Coachella Valley Firebirds were represented by rookie Forward Jani Nyman.
Jani Nyman. Firebirds rookie. Firebirds all-star. Big honor for the Finnish forward. @KESQ pic.twitter.com/2cDBPiYsmd
— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) February 4, 2025
In addition to the all-star players showcasing their skill, fans got to witness the mascots take the ice during the first intermission.
Probably the most fun event of the night for day two of the AHL All-Star Classic. Mascots taking the ice to play hockey. @KESQ @BlakeArthur24 @Tarp1969 @TheAHL pic.twitter.com/hZSlr1byXQ
— Kenji Ito (@KenjiitoKESQ) February 4, 2025
Ahead of the All-Star Challenge, KESQ got to catch up with President and CEO of the American Hockey League, Scott Howson, who is thrilled with the success of the Firebirds in just their three years as franchise.
Caught up with @TheAHL Commissioner Scott Howson ahead of tonight's all-star game at @AcrisureArena. Firebirds have had quite run in their first 3 years as a franchise with trips to back-to-back Calder Cup Finals and now hosting the All-Star Classic. @KESQ pic.twitter.com/MXFq8MB8tD
— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) February 4, 2025
All-Star Skills Competition - Sunday
The Eastern Conference defeated the Western Conference, 19-13, in Sunday's AHL All-Star Skills Competition at Acrisure Arena.
I got to catch up with Former Firebird Andrew Poturalski about the crowd getting behind him in his return to the desert during the hardest shot challenge in the AHL All-Star Classic. @KESQ @BlakeArthur24 @TheAHL @AcrisureArena @sjbarracuda pic.twitter.com/DHZjtijSLf
— Kenji Ito (@KenjiitoKESQ) February 3, 2025