Four coaches named to lead divisions at 2026 AHL All-Star Classic

The American Hockey League has appointed four head coaches to lead the division teams at the 2026 AHL All-Star Classic presented by BMO, scheduled for Feb. 10-11 in Rockford, Ill. Providence Bruins head coach Ryan Mougenel will helm the Atlantic Division, Pascal Vincent of the Laval Rocket will coach the North Division, Dan Watson of the Grand Rapids Griffins will manage the Central Division, and Mark Letestu of the Colorado Eagles will lead the Pacific Division.

The selections were based on which teams topped their respective divisions at the league’s pre-determined deadline—end of play on Jan. 11—giving coaches recognition tied directly to regular-season performance. For communities that follow AHL storylines closely, these assignments highlight which clubs are setting the tone in January and reward bench bosses whose systems and line deployments have paid off through the first half of the season.

All-Star weekend will feature more than the division games. The Skills Competition returns as a showcase for top AHL talent and young prospects to display speed, shooting and puck skills in a format that often previews who will impact Calder Cup races. The schedule also includes the AHL Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Ceremony, giving fans in Rockford a rare chance to combine celebration of all-time contributors with a live look at the league’s current wave of players and coaches.

For fans, players and local organizations, the coaching selections carry practical implications. Coaches chosen for the Classic often bring recognizable systems and personnel preferences that can influence exhibition rosters and how players are showcased in front of NHL scouts and general managers. Communities hosting the event benefit from increased exposure and the boost of All-Star weekend activities, from the on-ice showcase to off-ice ceremonies that draw alumni and family members to Rockford.

The appointments also give a midseason snapshot of which AHL programs are trending upward and which coaches are steering their clubs through dense schedules and lineup churn. For ticket-buyers and those planning travel, expect roster and format announcements in the coming weeks as the league finalizes participants for skills and game-day rosters.

The takeaway? Watch for these bench bosses to use the All-Star platform to spotlight personnel and playing styles that have worked for them this season. If you’re heading to Rockford or following from home, mark your calendar for Feb. 10-11 and keep an eye on roster updates—All-Star weekend can be a sneak peek at the next wave of AHL impact players.