Pro Hockey Leagues In North America
Ice hockey is one of the most popular sports in North America, with millions of fans across the continent. The sport is played at various levels, from amateur leagues to professional leagues. In this article, we will discuss the major professional hockey leagues in North America.
National Hockey League (NHL)
The National Hockey League (NHL) is the premier professional hockey league in North America. The league was founded in 1917 and currently consists of 31 teams, 24 of which are located in the United States and 7 in Canada. The NHL is divided into two conferences, the Eastern Conference and the Western Conference, each of which is further divided into two divisions.
The NHL regular season runs from October to April, with each team playing 82 games. The top eight teams from each conference then qualify for the playoffs, which begin in April and end in June with the Stanley Cup Finals. The Stanley Cup is the oldest professional sports trophy in North America, awarded to the NHL champion every year.
American Hockey League (AHL)
The American Hockey League (AHL) is the primary developmental league for the NHL. Founded in 1936, the AHL currently consists of 31 teams, with 27 located in the United States and 4 in Canada. Many top NHL players, including current stars like Carey Price and Tuukka Rask, began their careers in the AHL.
The AHL regular season runs from October to April, with each team playing 76 games. The top four teams from each division then qualify for the playoffs, which begin in April and end in June with the Calder Cup Finals. The Calder Cup is the AHL championship trophy, awarded to the league's champion every year.
ECHL
The ECHL, formerly known as the East Coast Hockey League, is a minor professional hockey league based in the United States. Founded in 1988, the ECHL currently consists of 26 teams, with 20 located in the United States and 6 in Canada. The ECHL is considered a step below the AHL and serves as a developmental league for both the AHL and the NHL.
The ECHL regular season runs from October to April, with each team playing 72 games. The top four teams from each division then qualify for the playoffs, which begin in April and end in June with the Kelly Cup Finals. The Kelly Cup is the ECHL championship trophy, awarded to the league's champion every year.
Conclusion
North America is home to some of the best professional hockey leagues in the world. Whether you're a fan of the NHL, the AHL, or the ECHL, there is always exciting hockey action to be found. So grab your favorite team's jersey and get ready to cheer them on!
