List Of Minor League Hockey Teams
If you're a fan of ice hockey, you're probably aware that the National Hockey League (NHL) is the top professional league in North America. However, the NHL has a large number of minor league affiliates that give players a chance to develop their skills and eventually move up to the big leagues. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the top minor league hockey teams in the United States.
AHL (American Hockey League)
The AHL is considered the top minor league hockey league in North America. Many NHL teams have affiliate teams in the AHL, and it's not uncommon for players to move back and forth between the two leagues throughout the season. Some of the top AHL teams include:
- Toronto Marlies: Based in Toronto, Ontario, the Marlies are the AHL affiliate of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
- Providence Bruins: Based in Providence, Rhode Island, the Bruins are the AHL affiliate of the Boston Bruins.
- San Diego Gulls: Based in San Diego, California, the Gulls are the AHL affiliate of the Anaheim Ducks.
- Chicago Wolves: Based in Chicago, Illinois, the Wolves are the AHL affiliate of the Carolina Hurricanes.
ECHL (East Coast Hockey League)
The ECHL is a minor league hockey league that is based primarily on the East Coast of the United States. It's considered the second tier of minor league hockey, below the AHL but above the lower-level minor leagues. Some of the top ECHL teams include:
- Florida Everblades: Based in Estero, Florida, the Everblades have consistently been one of the top teams in the ECHL. They're affiliated with the Nashville Predators.
- Toledo Walleye: Based in Toledo, Ohio, the Walleye have a strong fan base and consistently draw large crowds. They're affiliated with the Detroit Red Wings.
- South Carolina Stingrays: Based in North Charleston, South Carolina, the Stingrays have won three ECHL championships and are affiliated with the Washington Capitals.
SPHL (Southern Professional Hockey League)
The SPHL is a minor league hockey league that is based primarily in the southern United States. It's considered a lower-level minor league, below the AHL and ECHL. Some of the top SPHL teams include:
- Birmingham Bulls: Based in Birmingham, Alabama, the Bulls have a strong following and consistently draw large crowds. They're affiliated with the Ottawa Senators.
- Peoria Rivermen: Based in Peoria, Illinois, the Rivermen have won five SPHL championships and are affiliated with the St. Louis Blues.
- Knoxville Ice Bears: Based in Knoxville, Tennessee, the Ice Bears have won four SPHL championships and are one of the most successful teams in the league.
Conclusion
Whether you're a die-hard hockey fan or just looking for some exciting entertainment, minor league hockey is a great option. These teams offer a chance to see up-and-coming players hone their skills and potentially move up to the big leagues. No matter where you are in the United States, there's likely a minor league hockey team nearby that you can cheer for.
