Teams In The American Hockey League
The American Hockey League or AHL is a professional ice hockey league in the United States and Canada that serves as the primary developmental league for the NHL. Established in 1936, the AHL has grown to become one of the most competitive and prestigious hockey leagues in North America, with 31 teams currently operating throughout the United States and Canada.
History of the AHL
The AHL was founded in 1936 as an eight-team league based in the northeastern United States. Originally called the International-American Hockey League, the league featured teams from both the United States and Canada. Over the next few decades, the AHL established itself as the premier minor league hockey organization in North America, developing players and coaches who would go on to achieve success at the NHL level.
In 1940, the league adopted its current name and began to expand into other regions of North America. By the 2001-02 season, the AHL had grown to feature 27 teams throughout the United States and Canada.
Teams in the AHL
As of the 2021-22 season, the AHL features 31 teams throughout North America, with 23 teams based in the United States and 8 teams based in Canada. Each team is affiliated with an NHL team, and players who are signed to an NHL contract but are not playing on the NHL roster are typically assigned to their team's AHL affiliate.
Some of the most notable teams in the AHL include the Toronto Marlies, San Diego Gulls, Milwaukee Admirals, and Chicago Wolves. These teams have established themselves as consistently competitive franchises over the years, and have played a significant role in developing players who have gone on to become stars at the NHL level.
AHL Season and Playoffs
The AHL season typically runs from October through April, with each team playing 76 games over the course of the season. The teams are divided into four divisions - the Atlantic, North, Central, and Pacific divisions - and the top four teams in each division qualify for the playoffs.
Like the NHL, the AHL playoffs are a best-of-seven series format, with the champion being awarded the Calder Cup. Over the years, the Calder Cup has become one of the most prestigious trophies in minor league hockey, and winning the championship is a major accomplishment for any AHL team.
The Future of the AHL
The AHL has established itself as one of the most important and competitive minor league hockey organizations in North America, and its future looks bright. The league has continued to expand and add new teams in recent years, and the quality of play and coaching in the AHL is higher than ever before.
As the primary developmental league for the NHL, the AHL will continue to play a critical role in developing the next generation of hockey stars. Whether you're a fan of minor league hockey or simply enjoy watching talented young players compete at a high level, the AHL is a league that should not be overlooked.
