Coach, Players added to 2026 Warrior/ECHL All-Star Classic

Sponsored by

Coach, Players added to 2026 Warrior/ECHL All-Star Classic

The ECHL announced on Wednesday roster changes and skills competitors for the 2026 Warrior/ECHL All-Star Classic presented by Visit Allen, Texas and Allen CDC.

The 2026 Warrior/ECHL All-Star Classic presented by Visit Allen, Texas and Allen CDC will take place on Monday, January 19, 2026, at Credit Union of Texas Event Center. In this year’s All-Star event, players from the Allen Americans will be combined with the ECHL All-Stars to form two teams – Stars and Stripes. A draft will take place leading up to the All-Star Classic to choose the two teams. CLICK HERE to purchase your tickets today!

Kansas City head coach Tad O’Had has been added to the coaching staff, in place of Toledo’s Pat Mikesch, who is unable to attend the All-Star Classic. O’Had in in his sixth season as the Mavericks’ head coach. During his tenure, O’Had has guided the Mavericks to two Mountain Division Championships, one Brabham Cup as ECHL regular-season champions, an ECHL record 29 road wins in a single season, two Western Conference Finals appearances, and the team’s first-ever trip to the Kelly Cup Finals

Four players have been added to the All-Star Classic roster for players who are unable to participate in the event – Adirondack goaltender Jeremy Brodeur, Tahoe forward Devon Paliani, Toledo forward Brandon Hawkins and Wichita forward Kyle Crnkovic.

Highlighting Fan Fest will be an appearance from Hockey Hall of Famer Mike Modano, who will sign autographs and pose for photographs, from 1-3 p.m. Fan Fest will also feature interactive games, live music, celebrity autographs and more. CLICK HERE to purchase tickets.

The 2026 Warrior/ECHL All-Star Classic presented by Visit Allen and Allen CDC will include the induction of the 18th class into the ECHL Hall of Fame on Monday, January 19, 2026 at the Courtyard by Marriott Dallas/Allen at the Event Center, the official host hotel of the 2026 Warrior/ECHL All-Star Classic.

About the ECHL

Formed in 1988-89 with five teams in four states, the ECHL has grown into a coast-to-coast league with 30 teams in 23 states and one Canadian province for its 38th season in 2025-26. There have been 776 players who have gone on to play in the National Hockey League after starting their careers in the ECHL, including eight who have made their NHL debuts in the 2025-26 season. The ECHL has affiliations with 30 of the 32 NHL teams in 2025-26, marking the 28th 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.