AHL Hall of Fame Class of 2026

February 17, 2026 — On November 5, 2025, the American Hockey League announced the four new inductees who have been selected for induction into the American Hockey League Hall of Fame as the Class of 2026.

The league’s Class of 2026 are:

• Chris Bourque
• Alexandre Giroux
• Jim Wiemer
• Wendell Young

On February 11, 2026, the Class of 2026 was awarded their Hall of Fame rings and crystal awards at the historic Coronado Theatre in Rockford. The AHL Hall of Fame Rings are a badge of honor, hard work, and excellence in the American Hockey League.

Baron® is proud to be a part of the AHL story through our craftsmanship, ensuring that every inductee receives a ring that represents the importance of their achievements.

Chris Bourque

Playmaking Legend and Three-Time Champion

The son of Hockey Hall of Fame defenseman Ray Bourque, Chris Bourque has built his own legendary career in the AHL. Chris was drafted by the Washington Capitals in 2004 and began his professional career with the Portland Pirates.

• Bourque claimed his first Calder Cup in 2006 as a rookie with the Hershey Bears.
• Bourque has played more than 794 games in the regular season with Portland, Hershey, Providence, Hartford, and Bridgeport.
• Chris Bourque’s career statistics include 251 goals and 495 assists for 746 points.

Learn more about Chris Bourque’s AHL career.

Alexandre Giroux

Elite Goal Scorer

Alexandre Giroux moved into 7th place on the all-time list with 368 goals in 11 years. Giroux won the league MVP award and the scoring title in 2008-09.

• In his career with Grand Rapids, Binghamton, Hartford, Hershey, Chicago, Oklahoma City, and Springfield
• Giroux’s career statistics include 704 points in 771 regular-season games, as well as 103 points in 118 playoff games.
• Giroux’s career also includes a record five career playoff overtime goals.

Learn more about Alexandre Giroux’s AHL career.

Jim Wiemer

From Forward to Premier Defenseman

Jim Wiemer started as a left winger, then he switched to the blue line. This led to his being one of the top two-way defensemen in the AHL over a 14-year period.

• Wiemer won the Eddie Shore Award as the AHL’s top defenseman in the 1985-86 season.
• Wiemer contributed to the Calder Cup win by the Rochester Americans in 1983.
• Wiemer’s AHL record includes 124 goals and 307 assists for 431 points in 548 games.

Learn more about Jim Wiemer’s AHL career.

Wiemer was visibly moved, standing among the legends of the game, reflecting on what the moment truly meant to him. He spoke simply and sincerely, saying that his love for hockey was the foundation of everything. Adding, that the game, in return, gave back more than he could have ever imagined.

Being inducted into the AHL Hall of Fame, he said, was something that meant more to him than words could express, and he closed with deep gratitude for the journey that brought him to that stage.

Wendell Young

Player, Executive, Champion

Wendell Young is now in his 32nd season with the Chicago Wolves organization. Young has won Stanley Cup Championships with Pittsburgh in 1991 and 1992.

• Young was awarded the “Baz” Bastien Award as the league’s outstanding goaltender and the Jack Butterfield Trophy as MVP of the Calder Cup Playoffs in the 1987-88 season.
• Young has been the key in winning Calder Cup Championships as director of team relations (2002), assistant coach (2008), and general manager (2022).
• In his 15 years as general manager from 2009 to 2024, the Wolves have an impressive record of 571-375-136 (.591).

Learn more about Wendell Young’s AHL career.

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Who are the inductees of the AHL Hall of Fame Class of 2026?
Chris Bourque, Alexandre Giroux, Jim Wiemer, and Wendell Young, chosen by the AHL Hall of Fame Selection Committee for their contributions to the American Hockey League.

Where was the 2026 AHL Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony held?
At Rockford’s historic Coronado Theatre, coinciding with the All-Star Challenge and Awards Ceremony.

How many Calder Cup Championships did the AHL Hall of Fame Class of 2026 win?
Collectively, 10, with Chris Bourque as a three-time Calder Cup winner and former Hershey Bears standout alongside Alexandre Giroux.

#yourjourney #yourmoment #yourlegacy

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