FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: REV Entertainment Communications Monday, November 11, 2024
ALLEN AMERICANS SELECTED TO HOST 2026 WARRIOR/ECHL ALL-STAR CLASSIC PRESENTED BY VISIT ALLEN, TEXAS
Annual league showcase to be held at Credit Union of Texas Event Center on January 19, 2026
ALLEN, Texas – The Allen Americans, ECHL affiliate of the Utah Hockey Club (NHL), and the ECHL have announced the selection of Allen, Texas as the host site of the 2026 Warrior/ECHL All-Star Classic presented by Visit Allen, Texas. The league showcase will take place at Credit Union of Texas Event Center in Allen on January 19, 2026.
The announcement was made on Saturday during the Allen Americans’ home game against the Tulsa Oilers. The festivities will include Fan Fest on Sunday, January 18, 2026 followed by the All-Star Game on Monday, January 19, 2026, which is a national holiday (Martin Luther King Jr. Day). Ticket information, game format, and Fan Fest details will be announced at a later date.
Exhibits and memorabilia from the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto will be on site for the event. The All-Star festivities will also include the official induction ceremony of the 18th Class of the ECHL Hall of Fame. The annual ECHL Board of Governors meeting will also take place as part of the All-Star festivities.
The annual midseason showcase is attended by representatives from the National Hockey League and the American Hockey League and since its inception, has produced 72 players who have gone on to play in the NHL, including 56 since 2002 when the format was changed to feature younger prospects.
This will mark the first time for the Allen Americans to host the ECHL All-Star Game. The Americans opened the 2024-25 season with their home opener on Friday, October 25. The campaign marks the Americans’ 16th season of competition in the ECHL. Founded in 2009, the Americans have won four league championships (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016).
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING – EVENT LEADERSHIP
“We are thrilled to host the Warrior/ECHL All-Star Classic in Allen, Texas. This event celebrates North Texas' love for hockey and highlights the incredible support of our fans and dedication of our players. We look forward to showcasing Allen on this prestigious stage and creating unforgettable memories for everyone involved.” – LaSonjia Jack, Allen Americans Co-Owner; President/COO/Co-Owner, Amsonia Sports
“The Warrior/ECHL All-Star Classic is our League's signature event, and we are excited to bring it to Allen for the first time to showcase the best players in the league on the ice, while allowing fans to enjoy Fan Fest, Hockey Hall of Fame exhibits, and interactive games off the ice. This event gives us the opportunity to highlight the City of Allen as we welcome our Board of Governors, VIPs, partners, and fans from around the continent to experience all that Allen has to offer.”
– Ryan Crelin, ECHL Commissioner
“The City of Allen can’t wait to host the best players in the ECHL for an unforgettable All-Star Game at Credit Union of Texas Event Center. This will be a great chance for hockey fans to see top talent right here at home, and we’re excited for the positive impact it will bring to our local businesses. We’re thrilled to share our community with the ECHL family and make it a weekend to remember!”
– Baine Brooks, Mayor of Allen, Texas
“We are honored that the ECHL has awarded the Allen Americans the tremendous opportunity to host the ECHL All-Star event in 2026. Thank you to team owners LaSonjia and Myles Jack for their leadership and vision to bring this event to the Metroplex. This is a great credit to the fans, sponsors, and local partners that have supported the team. We can’t wait to elevate the league’s jewel event to new heights and provide fans with a memorable experience.”
– Sean Decker, President of REV Entertainment
About the ECHL: Formed in 1988-89 with five teams in four states, the ECHL has grown into a coast-to-coast league with 29 teams in 22 states and one Canadian province for its 37th season in 2024-25. There have been 752 players who have gone on to play in the National Hockey League after starting their careers in the ECHL, including 12 who made their NHL debuts in the 2023-24 season. The ECHL has affiliations with 29 of the 32 NHL teams in 2024-25, marking the 27th consecutive season that the league has affiliations with at least 20 teams in the NHL. Further information on the ECHL is available on its website at ECHL.com.
About Allen Americans: The Allen Americans are the ECHL affiliate of the Utah Hockey Club (NHL). Founded in 2009, the Americans are in their 16th season of play. The Americans have won four league championships (2013-14-15-16). The Americans play all home games at the Credit Union of Texas Event Center, located in The Village at Allen. For tickets and more information, visit AllenAmericans.com.
About REV Entertainment: REV Entertainment is the official events partner of the 2023 World Series-champion Texas Rangers. REV Sports Management, a division of REV Entertainment, is responsible for overseeing and managing all business operations for partner sports affiliates, including the Cleburne Railroaders and Allen Americans. REV Sports Management continually pushes venues to expand their reach by discovering new ways to utilize spaces. Through experiences gained at current venues, REV is able to continually enhance its efforts with both cities and municipalities, including working the City of Noblesville as design and operating consultant to the new Noblesville Event Center, the future home of the Indiana Pacers G-League team, and Mansfield Stadium, opening in 2026. REV understands how important it is to fill a facility 365 days a year, including non sporting events. REVEntertainment.com.
– ALLEN AMERICANS –