Minor League Hockey Teams By State
Ice hockey is a popular sport in the United States, and it's not just the NHL that draws in crowds. Minor league hockey teams across the country also have their fair share of dedicated fans. This article will take a look at all the minor league hockey teams by state, providing you with a comprehensive list of teams to support.
Alabama
Alabama may not be the first state that comes to mind when it comes to ice hockey, but there are still a few minor league teams based there. The Birmingham Bulls play in the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) and have been around since 2017. Meanwhile, the Huntsville Havoc also play in the SPHL and have been around since 2004.
Alaska
Alaska may be known for its rugged terrain and natural beauty, but it's also home to a thriving ice hockey scene. The Alaska Aces were a popular minor league team that played in the ECHL from 2003 to 2017. While the Aces may no longer be around, there are still plenty of opportunities to catch a game in Alaska. The Fairbanks Ice Dogs are a junior ice hockey team that plays in the North American Hockey League (NAHL), while the Kenai River Brown Bears are another junior team that plays in the NAHL.
Arizona
The Arizona Coyotes may be the only NHL team in the state, but there are still a few minor league teams to check out. The Tucson Roadrunners play in the American Hockey League (AHL) and are the top affiliate of the Arizona Coyotes. Meanwhile, the Phoenix Knights play in the Western States Hockey League (WSHL) and are a part of the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU).
Arkansas
Arkansas may not be known for its ice hockey, but there are still a few teams to follow in the state. The Arkansas Razorbacks are a college ice hockey team that plays in the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA). Meanwhile, the Arkansas Jr. Razorbacks are a junior ice hockey team that plays in the North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL).
California
California is a state that loves ice hockey, with several NHL teams calling the state home. In addition to the big leagues, there are also plenty of minor league teams to follow. The Ontario Reign play in the AHL and are the top affiliate of the Los Angeles Kings. Meanwhile, the Stockton Heat play in the AHL and are the top affiliate of the Calgary Flames. Other minor league teams in California include the San Diego Gulls (AHL), the Bakersfield Condors (AHL), and the Fresno Monsters (NAHL).
Colorado
Colorado is home to the Colorado Avalanche, an NHL team that has made waves in the league for years. But they're not the only team in the state to follow. The Colorado Eagles play in the AHL and are the top affiliate of the Colorado Avalanche. Meanwhile, the Denver Pioneers are a college ice hockey team that plays in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC).
Connecticut
Connecticut may be a small state, but that doesn't mean it can't pack a punch when it comes to ice hockey. The Hartford Wolf Pack play in the AHL and are the top affiliate of the New York Rangers. Meanwhile, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers also play in the AHL and are the top affiliate of the New York Islanders. Other minor league teams in Connecticut include the Connecticut Whale (NWHL) and the Danbury Hat Tricks (Federal Prospects Hockey League).
Delaware
Delaware may not be a state that comes to mind when it comes to ice hockey, but there are still a few teams to support. The University of Delaware Blue Hens are a college ice hockey team that plays in the ACHA. Meanwhile, the Delaware Thunder are a professional ice hockey team that plays in the Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL).
Florida
Florida may be known for its beaches and sunshine, but it's also home to several minor league hockey teams. The Florida Panthers are the state's NHL team, but there are plenty of other teams to support as well. The Jacksonville Icemen play in the ECHL and are the top affiliate of the Winnipeg Jets. Meanwhile, the Florida Everblades also play in the ECHL and are the top affiliate of the Nashville Predators. Other minor league teams in Florida include the Orlando Solar Bears (ECHL) and the Tampa Bay Juniors (USPHL).
Georgia
Georgia may not be the first state that comes to mind when it comes to ice hockey, but there are still a few teams to check out. The Atlanta Gladiators play in the ECHL and are the top affiliate of the Boston Bruins. Meanwhile, the Macon Mayhem play in the SPHL and have been around since 2015. Other minor league teams in Georgia include the Savannah Seniority (Senior A), Augusta RiverHawks (Federal Prospects Hockey League), and the Columbus River Dragons (Federal Prospects Hockey League).
Hawaii
Unfortunately, Hawaii is not home to any minor league hockey teams at this time.
Idaho
Idaho may not be the first state that comes to mind when it comes to ice hockey, but there are still a few teams to support. The Idaho Steelheads play in the ECHL and are the top affiliate of the Dallas Stars. Meanwhile, the Coeur d'Alene Lakers are a junior ice hockey team that plays in the Western States Hockey League (WSHL).
Illinois
Illinois may not be a state that comes to mind when it comes to ice hockey, but there are still plenty of teams to check out. The Chicago Blackhawks are the state's NHL team and have a strong following. Meanwhile, the Rockford IceHogs play in the AHL and are the top affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks. Other minor league teams in Illinois include the Peoria Rivermen (SPHL), the Bloomington Thunder (USHL), and the Decatur Blaze (USPHL).
Indiana
Indiana may not be the first state that comes to mind when it comes to ice hockey, but there are still a few teams to check out. The Fort Wayne Komets play in the ECHL and have been around since 1952. Meanwhile, the Indy Fuel also play in the ECHL and are the top affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks. Other minor league teams in Indiana include the Evansville Thunderbolts (SPHL) and the Indiana Jr. Ice (USPHL).
Iowa
Iowa may not be the first state that comes to mind when it comes to ice hockey, but there are still a few teams to check out. The Iowa Wild play in the AHL and are the top affiliate of the Minnesota Wild. Meanwhile, the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders are a junior ice hockey team that plays in the USHL.
Kansas
Kansas may not be the first state that comes to mind when it comes to ice hockey, but there are still a few teams to support. The Kansas City Mavericks play in the ECHL and are the top affiliate of the Calgary Flames. Meanwhile, the Topeka Pilots are a junior ice hockey team that plays in the NAHL.
Kentucky
Kentucky may not be a state that comes to mind when it comes to ice hockey, but there are still a few teams to support. The Louisville Thunderbirds play in the FPHL and are a part of the AAU. Meanwhile, the Lexington Thoroughbreds are a professional ice hockey team that also plays in the FPHL and are a part of the AAU.
Louisiana
Louisiana may not be the first state that comes to mind when it comes to ice hockey, but there are still a few teams to check out. The Shreveport Mudbugs play in the NAHL and have been around since 2016. Meanwhile, the Louisiana Drillers are a junior ice hockey team that plays in the WSHL.
Maine
Maine may be a small state, but that doesn't mean it can't pack a punch when it comes to ice hockey. The Maine Mariners play in the ECHL and have a strong following. Meanwhile, the University of Maine Black Bears are a college ice hockey team that plays in the Hockey East conference.
Maryland
Maryland may not be the first state that comes to mind when it comes to ice hockey, but there are still a few teams to check out. The Baltimore Clippers were a minor league team that played in the EHL from 1962 to 1976. Meanwhile, the Washington Little Capitals are a junior ice hockey team that plays in the USPHL.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts is a state that loves ice hockey, with several NHL teams calling the state home. In addition to the big leagues, there are also plenty of minor league teams to follow. The Providence Bruins play in the AHL and are the top affiliate of the Boston Bruins. Meanwhile, the Worcester Railers play in the ECHL and have been around since 2017. Other minor league teams in Massachusetts include the Boston Pride (NWHL) and the Cape Cod Islanders (NA3HL).
Michigan
Michigan is a state that takes ice hockey seriously. The Detroit Red Wings are the state's NHL team and have a strong following. Meanwhile, the Grand Rapids Griffins play in the AHL and are the top affiliate of the Detroit Red Wings. Other minor league teams in Michigan include the Kalamazoo Wings (ECHL), the Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL), and the Traverse City North Stars (NA3HL).
Minnesota
Minnesota is a state that loves ice hockey, with several NHL teams calling the state home. In addition to the big leagues, there are also plenty of minor league teams to follow. The Minnesota Wild are the state's NHL team and have a strong following. Meanwhile, the Iowa Wild play in the AHL and are the top affiliate of the Minnesota Wild. Other minor league teams in Minnesota include the Minnesota Magicians (NAHL) and the Minnesota Wilderness (NAHL).