Two Blackhawks franchise legends, including Patrick Sharp return to Illinois for a special occasion

The pair were key contributors to multiple Stanley Cup runs and remain beloved in the organization and AHL circles.

Sharp's resume with the Blackhawks is about as decorated as any American forward of his era, winning Stanley Cups in 2010, 2013, and 2015 while driving play with rugged scoring instincts and a big-game knack.

Sharp left his role with the Blackhawks last summer to pursue a much larger opportunity with another NHL organization.

Versteeg was there for the 2010 and 2015 championships, bringing speed and creative finishing to Chicago's top six at pivotal moments.

Both players also put in heavy work in the minors before sticking in the NHL, something Rockford IceHogs brass wants to highlight at this year's AHL All-Star festivities.

Sharp skated 163 AHL games over three seasons and racked up 114 points, including a point-per-game pace in the 2005 Calder Cup Playoffs, helping the Philadelphia Phantoms to the title. Versteeg added 145 AHL games himself and was captain of the IceHogs near the end of his playing days.

Longtime Hawks fans still talk about Sharp's heavy shot and relentless positioning in the offensive zone, and how he created second opportunities that few forecheckers could deny.

Honorary captains at the AHL All-Star Classic get a unique role that includes joining the teams on the bench and in the locker room, along with being recognized at the AHL Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Ceremony.

For Chicago fans, seeing names like Sharp and Versteeg back in a hockey setting reminds us why those early-2010s teams felt like family, with a blend of skill, grit and clutch moments. Their presence in Rockford taps into that nostalgia while shining a spotlight on the development path from AHL to NHL success.

Sharp is now serving as a special advisor in hockey operations for the Philadelphia Flyers, bringing his experience to a new generation of pros. Versteeg, who has been out of hockey since the 2019-20 season, had been a leader in Rockford before retiring, and this honor underscores his impact on the IceHogs and the broader Blackhawks system.

The AHL All-Star Classic itself is a celebration of the league's top talent and rising stars, and having former NHL champions as honorary captains gives young players a chance to connect with the history they aspire to join. Rockford's event on February 10 and 11 promises skills showcases, competitive games, and plenty of community engagement around the festivities.