APHL ALL-STAR GAME COMING TO THE COPPER CITY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

APHL ALL-STAR GAME COMING TO THE COPPER CITY

League’s top players to take center stage February 27, 2027, at JFK Arena in Rome, New York

ROME, N.Y. — The American Premier Hockey League (APHL) is proud to announce that Rome, New York — “The Copper City” — will host the 2027 APHL All-Star Game on Saturday, February 27, 2027, at JFK Arena.

The league’s premier midseason showcase will bring together top players from across the APHL for a full day celebrating hockey, the league and the Rome community.

The festivities will begin with the APHL All-Star Skills Competition at 4:00 p.m., giving fans an opportunity to see some of the league’s most talented players compete in a variety of individual skills events.

The puck will drop on the 2027 APHL All-Star Game at 7:30 p.m.

Rome provides a fitting backdrop for one of the APHL’s signature events. The city earned its longtime nickname “The Copper City” during the Industrial Revolution, when Rome’s metal industries produced an estimated 10 percent of the nation’s copper. 

APHL Commissioner Kyle Granville said bringing the league’s All-Star showcase to Rome was an opportunity to celebrate both the APHL’s players and one of its growing hockey markets.

“We’re excited to bring the APHL All-Star Game to the Copper City. Rome has shown tremendous enthusiasm for the Copper City Chiefs and for hockey, and we believe JFK Arena will provide a great atmosphere for our players and fans. All-Star Weekend is about showcasing the talent throughout our league, but it’s also about bringing our teams together and celebrating the communities that support the APHL. We’re looking forward to a special day in Rome.”

Rome Mayor Jeffrey M. Lanigan welcomed the announcement and the opportunity to bring players, families and fans from throughout the league to the city. Lanigan has served as Rome’s mayor since January 2024. 

“The City of Rome is proud to welcome the APHL All-Star Game to the Copper City. Hockey has a long tradition in our community, and events like this bring people together while also showcasing everything Rome has to offer. We look forward to welcoming the players, their families and fans to our city for what should be an exciting weekend of hockey at JFK Arena.”

For Copper City Chiefs Owner and President Jimmy Milliken, hosting the All-Star Game during the franchise’s inaugural season represents another major moment for hockey in Rome.

“When we started building the Chiefs, our goal was bigger than just putting a team on the ice. We wanted to create events that people in Rome could be proud of and give fans reasons to come together at JFK Arena. Bringing the APHL All-Star Game to the Copper City in our very first season is another step in that direction. We want February 27 to feel like a celebration of hockey in Rome, and we’re excited to welcome the entire league to our city.”

Rome’s history also gives the event a distinctive host-city identity. The city is home to Fort Stanwix National Monument, which played a significant role during the American Revolution, and was the site of the ceremonial groundbreaking for the Erie Canal in 1817. City of Rome

2027 APHL ALL-STAR GAME

Saturday, February 27, 2027

JFK Arena — Rome, New York

APHL Skills Competition — 4:00 PM

APHL All-Star Game — 7:30 PM

Additional announcements regarding All-Star rosters, coaches, Skills Competition events, tickets, festivities, partnerships and other All-Star Weekend activities will be released in the coming months.

THE APHL ALL-STAR GAME IS COMING TO THE COPPER CITY.