Simashev Helps Pacific Capture 2026 AHL All-Star Challenge Title

Rockford, IL – Representing the Pacific Division, Tucson Roadrunners rookie defenseman Dmitri Simashev recorded an assist to help the Pacific claim the 2026 AHL All-Star Challenge on Wednesday at the BMO Center.

The Pacific All-Stars competed in a three-on-three tournament against the North, Central and Atlantic Division All-Stars, finishing with a 3-1-0 record after defeating the Central Division 3-1 in the championship game.

On its path to the title, the Pacific opened the night with a 4-1 victory over the North, followed by a 3-2 win against the Atlantic to clinch a spot in the championship game. The Pacific dropped its final round-robin contest, a 4-0 loss to the Central, but rebounded in the rematch to secure the title.

The championship marked the Pacific Division’s first AHL All-Star Challenge title since 2024 and its third victory in the event over the past four seasons.

Colorado Eagles forward Jayson Megna was named the tournament’s most valuable player after totaling seven points on four goals and three assists in four games.

GAME 2: PACIFIC DIVISION ALL-STARS (4) VS NORTH DIVISION ALL-STARS (1)

PACIFIC SCORING: Jayson Megna (1, 2, 3), Jagger Firkus (1)
NORTH SCORING: Arthur Kaliyev (1)

Each game of the round-robin format featured two four-minute periods, and the Pacific Division opened its night at the AHL All-Star Challenge with a 4-1 victory over the North Division.

Simashev, one of just two blueliners on the Pacific roster, recorded an assist and two shots on goal in the win.

Megna opened the scoring on a breakaway with 1:07 remaining in the first period to give the Pacific a 1-0 lead heading into the final frame.

The Pacific pulled away early in the second period, scoring twice in the opening minute. Coachella Valley Firebirds forward Jagger Firkus capitalized on a breakaway just 27 seconds in to make it 2-0, with Simashev picking up the assist. Thirty seconds later, Megna struck again, finishing a one-timer from the left circle off a feed from Henderson Silver Knights forward Tanner Laczynski to extend the lead to 3-0 at the 57-second mark.

Simashev nearly added to the Pacific’s lead in the final minute when he broke in alone on a breakaway, but his wrister was turned aside by Toronto Marlies goaltender Artur Akhtyamov.

After Belleville Senators forward Arthur Kaliyev scored with 26 seconds remaining to pull the North within two, Megna sealed the victory with a goal in the final seconds to complete the hat trick and secure the Pacific’s 4-1 win.

GAME 3: PACIFIC DIVISION ALL-STARS (3) VS ATLANTIC DIVISION ALL-STARS (2)

PACIFIC SCORING: Ben Berard (1), Jayson Megna (4), Andre Lee (1)
ATLANTIC SCORING: Ben Steeves (1), Tristan Broz (2)

For the second straight game, the Pacific Division led from start to finish and held off the Atlantic Division for a 3-2 victory to improve to 2-0-0 in the round-robin tournament.

Abbotsford Canucks forward Ben Berard and Megna scored 25 seconds apart midway through the first period to give the Pacific an early 2-0 lead. The Atlantic responded late in the frame, as Charlotte Checkers forward Ben Steeves scored with five seconds remaining to cut the deficit to one.

The Pacific restored its two-goal cushion midway through the second period when Ontario Reign forward Andre Lee finished a two-on-one with a one-timer from the left circle to make it 3-1.

Tucson Roadrunners defenseman Dmitri Simashev nearly added to the Pacific’s lead in the final minute with a breakaway chance, but Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins goaltender – and fellow countryman –Sergei Murashov turned aside his attempt to keep the Atlantic within reach.

Atlantic and Penguins forward Tristan Broz scored with 39 seconds remaining to pull within one, but the Pacific closed things out to secure the 3-2 victory.

GAME 6: PACIFIC DIVISION ALL-STARS (0) VS CENTRAL DIVISION ALL-STARS (4)

PACIFIC SCORING:
CENTRAL SCORING: Bradly Nadeau (1, 2), Cameron Hughes (2), Brett Seney (2)

The Central Division entered the final round-robin game of the tournament needing a four-goal victory to advance to the Championship Game and force a rematch with the Pacific Division, which had already secured its place in the title game.

After a scoreless opening period, the Central erupted for four unanswered goals in the final frame to punch its ticket to the championship.

Chicago Wolves forward Bradly Nadeau opened the scoring just 50 seconds into the second period, finishing a one-timer on a two-on-one to give the Central a 1-0 lead. Texas Stars forward Cameron Hughes followed just six seconds later to double the Central’s advantage.

Needing two more goals to advance on the tiebreaker over the Atlantic Division, Rockford IceHogs forward Brett Seney and Nadeau struck 28 seconds apart in the final minute to seal the 4-0 victory and complete the comeback scenario for the Central.

CHAMPIONSHIP GAME: PACIFIC DIVISION ALL-STARS (3) VS CENTRAL DIVISION ALL-STARS (1)

PACIFIC SCORING: Ben Berard (2), Jagger Firkus (2), Tanner Laczynski (1)
CENTRAL SCORING: Cameron Hughes (3)

The Pacific Division capped off its All-Star Challenge run with a 3-1 victory over the Central Division in the Championship Game to claim the 2026 AHL All-Star Challenge title.

Berard opened the scoring late in the first period, burying a one-timer from the right circle with 1:06 remaining to give the Pacific a 1-0 lead. Tucson Roadrunners defenseman Dmitri Simashev nearly doubled the advantage at the buzzer, but his slap shot from the point was turned aside by Grand Rapids Griffins goaltender Sebastian Cossa to keep the Central within one heading into the intermission.

The Pacific doubled its lead just 42 seconds into the second period when Firkus beat Manitoba Moose goaltender Thomas Milic with a backhand from the low slot to make it 2-0.

With just over a minute remaining, the Central pulled Milic for the extra attacker, but Laczynski sealed the win moments later with an empty-net goal from above the Central blue line to extend the lead to 3-0 with 56 seconds left.

Hughes scored for the Central with 48 seconds remaining to cut the deficit to two, but the Pacific held on for a 3-1 win to capture the 2026 AHL All-Star Challenge.

UP NEXT

After the All-Star break, the Roadrunners will conclude their road trip with a two-game set next weekend against the Coachella Valley Firebirds at Acrisure Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 8 p.m. AZT on Friday and 4 p.m. AZT on Sunday. Fans can listen live on FOX Sports 1450 AM and the iHeartRadio app, watch on AHLtv on FloHockey.