In Rockford, Illinois, the Central Division’s quest for the championship ended with a 3-1 defeat to the Pacific Division in the 2026 AHL All-Star Classic final. The tournament featured four divisions—Atlantic, Central, North, and Pacific—competing in an energetic 3-on-3 round-robin format with eight-minute games, culminating in a championship match played under the same rules.
Central Division’s Performance Throughout the Tournament
The Central Division was represented by Kevin Korchinski, Nick Lardis, and Brett Seney, all players from the Rockford IceHogs. Their first game against the Atlantic Division saw a tense battle. Early in the match, Lardis scored near the end of the first period, putting Central ahead 1-0. However, Atlantic’s Tristan Broz scored the decisive shootout goal after the game was tied, ending the contest at 1-1. Lardis had scored in the third and final shootout round, but the Atlantic answered to keep the tie.
The Central faced the North Division next, encountering a quick deficit with goals conceded in the opening minute. Seney responded by scoring to level the score at two in the first period, but Arthur Kaliyev’s goal early in the second period sealed the North Division’s 3-2 victory. Central was faced with another challenge in their final round-robin game against the Pacific Division, needing a strong showing to reach the final.
Strong Showing Against Pacific Sets Up Championship Rematch
The Central Division delivered an impressive 4-0 shutout over Pacific in their round-robin meeting. Bradly Nadeau opened scoring quickly in the second period, followed seconds later by a goal set up by Korchinski and finished by Cameron Hughes. Seney also found the net with an assist from Lardis, who later contributed to Nadeau’s empty-net goal, securing a convincing win and setting the stage for a championship rematch.
Pacific Claims Championship with 3-1 Victory
In the championship round, Pacific struck first as Ben Berard scored in the opening period to give his team an early lead. They extended their advantage with two more scores in the second period, establishing a 3-0 margin. Central managed to respond with a late goal from Cameron Hughes, but it was not enough to overcome the deficit. The Pacific Division held firm to claim the championship with a 3-1 final score.
Impact of the Tournament and Future Outlook
The 2026 AHL All-Star Classic showcased swift and skillful play across all divisions, highlighting standout performers such as Brett Seney, Kevin Korchinski, and Bradly Nadeau from the Central Division. Although Central fell short in the final, their strong efforts throughout the tournament underscored the competitive balance of the league. This event provides momentum and exposure for key players as they head into the remainder of the season, with promising prospects for upcoming matchups and future all-star events.
