The NHL awarded the New York Islanders the 2027 All-Star Weekend, a former Islander and an American Hockey League (AHL) veteran calls it a career, and the Hamilton Hammers have officially signed their first-ever player.
All-Star Weekend Returns to Long Island
On June 2, the NHL, along with the NHLPA, announced the Islanders will host the 2027 All-Star Weekend at UBS Arena.
In addition to the site announcement, the weekend-long event will be held in new formats: a five-team, three-on-three tournament and a revamped Skills Competition that showcases players under 25.
The three-on-three tournament includes teams from Canada, the United States, Sweden, Finland, and Team World, which consists of players from outside of the aforementioned four nations.
This marks the first time the All-Star Weekend will be on the NHL schedule since 2024, after the 4 Nations Face-Off in 2025 and the Winter Olympics this year. This is the second time Long Island will host the annual event, with the first being in 1983. The festivities are scheduled for Feb. 6 and 7, 2027.
Former Islander Announces Retirement
After 15 seasons, Aaron Ness has announced his retirement from pro hockey. The Hershey Bears announced via social media on June 2.
The same day, Ness shared a statement on the Bears’ website thanking the franchise and the fanbase for his time with the team and confirming his retirement.
The second-round draft pick, 40th overall, of the Islanders in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, made his professional debut with the AHL’s Bridgeport Islanders in 2010 after completing his three-year college career at the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers. Ness played his first NHL game for the Islanders on Feb. 7, 2012.
During his professional hockey career, Ness played 818 AHL games with Bridgeport, Tucson Roadrunners, Providence Bruins, and Hershey. He also played 72 NHL games with the Islanders, Washington Capitals, and the Arizona Coyotes across parts of the 2010-11 to 2020-21 seasons. Internationally, Ness represented the United States on two occasions, winning the bronze medal at the 2008 U18 World Championship and competing in the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.
Ness’ most accomplished stretch of seasons in his career came with the Bears. As alternate captain in the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons, Ness played an integral part in the Bears’ back-to-back Calder Cup Championships.
Ness made the AHL All-Star Game in the 2014-15 season and was a member of the AHL Second All-Star Team in the 2018-19 season.
Highmore Makes History
The Hammers signed Matthew Highmore to a two-year AHL contract, making the Halifax, Nova Scotia, native the first player in the history of the franchise.
Known for leadership and a veteran presence, Highmore is coming off a bounce-back season, tallying 15 goals and 40 points while playing a career-best 70 games with Bridgeport.
Highmore, who won the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) championship with the St. John Sea Dogs in 2016-17, initially signed with the Chicago Blackhawks after being overlooked in two NHL Entry Drafts. He quickly made a strong impression with the Rockford IceHogs during his rookie season in 2017-18, setting a club rookie record with 24 goals to lead the team, and ranking second with 43 points. He was also selected for the All-Star Team.
His sophomore season was cut short by a shoulder injury, but he made his NHL debut in the early part of the 2019-20 season with the Blackhawks. Highmore remained with the big club before being traded to the Vancouver Canucks on April 12, 2021.
After spending over a season with the Canucks, Highmore was traded to the St. Louis Blues and eventually played for their AHL affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds. During his only season with Springfield, 2022-23, he set a career high with 61 points.
Highmore then spent the following two seasons with the Belleville Senators before signing with the Islanders to play with Bridgeport for the 2024-25 season.
Over eight professional seasons, Highmore has appeared in 488 games, including 301 in the AHL, and has 90 goals and 151 assists for 241 points.
Final Thoughts
The new three-on-three international format should deliver the same intensity and drama the 4 Nations Face-Off delivered two seasons ago, as well as the revamped Skills Competition featuring the league’s rising stars of the future. I would not be surprised if Hershey hires Ness in some off-ice capacity, and if Hammers head coach Jay McKee makes Highmore the team captain prior to the start of the season.
Free Newsletter
Get AHL coverage delivered to your inbox
In-depth analysis, breaking news, and insider takes – free.