The 2022 AHL All-Star Classic in Laval has been postponed

Yet again the AHL All-Star Classic has been postponed.

The All-Star Classic, which was scheduled to be played in Laval, Quebec on February 6 and 7 will not be played, AHL president Scott Howson said on Wednesday.

“The Laval Rocket and Place Bell have done an outstanding job preparing to host our All-Star Classic festivities this year,” Howson said. “But with the event only six weeks away and faced with ongoing challenges pertaining to health and safety, international travel, and group gatherings, the League and the Rocket organization feel it is in everybody’s best interests to postpone the event.

We remain committed to bringing the All-Star Classic to Laval in the future.”

The COVID-19 Omicron variant has swept its way through the world of sports over the past few weeks, as pro leagues everywhere are temporarily shutting down due to an increase in positive tests. Before the Montreal Canadiens shut down for the Christmas break, they played a game at home with no fans in attendance in accordance with Quebec’s health and safety guidelines.

This is the second year in a row that the AHL won’t have an All-Star Classic. Last season’s classic in Laval was also postponed due to the shortened season and concerns with COVID-19.

The NHL, on the other hand, is still committed to executing the 2022 All-Star Game festivities in Las Vegas. A key difference here is that Vegas likely won’t have the same government-imposed restrictions on large indoor crowds that Laval has to adhere to.