American Hockey League

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"Hershey_in_Hockey_League"_(from_The_Philadelphia_Record,_6-29-1938)

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Professional ice hockey league

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The American Hockey League (AHL) is a professional ice hockey league based in the United States and Canada. It serves as the primary developmental league for the National Hockey League (NHL). The league was founded in 1936 and has grown to include 31 teams, each affiliated with an NHL team.

History

The AHL was formed in 1936 through the merger of the Canadian-American Hockey League (CAHL) and the International Hockey League (IHL). The league has since become the premier minor league for professional ice hockey in North America.

Teams

The AHL consists of 31 teams, each affiliated with an NHL team. These affiliations allow NHL teams to develop their prospects in a competitive environment. The teams are divided into two conferences: the Eastern Conference and the Western Conference, each containing multiple divisions.

Season Structure

The AHL season typically runs from October to April, followed by the Calder Cup playoffs. The regular season consists of 76 games, with teams competing for playoff positions. The top teams from each division qualify for the playoffs, culminating in the Calder Cup Finals.

Awards and Trophies

The AHL awards several trophies and honors each season, including:

• The Calder Cup for the playoff champion
• The Macgregor Kilpatrick Trophy for the regular season points leader
• The Les Cunningham Award for the league's most valuable player
• The Eddie Shore Award for the best defenseman

Developmental Role

The AHL plays a crucial role in the development of NHL talent. Many NHL stars, such as Sidney Crosby, Carey Price, and P.K. Subban, have spent time in the AHL honing their skills before making the jump to the NHL.

Related Pages

• National Hockey League
• Calder Cup
• Eastern Conference (AHL)
• Western Conference (AHL)
• Canadian-American Hockey League
• International Hockey League (1929–1936)

See Also

• List of AHL seasons
• List of AHL teams
• List of AHL awards

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