American Hockey League

The American Hockey League (AHL) is regarded as the top professional hockey league outside the National Hockey League (NHL). It serves as a developmental league for the NHL, and all of its 27 teams have affiliation agreements with NHL clubs.

Related Topics:
Professional - National Hockey League

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The league traces its history back to 1926 with the formation of the Canadian-American Hockey League and teams in Springfield, Boston, Quebec City, Providence and New Haven. In 1936, the "Can-Am" League merged with the original International Hockey League (created in 1929) to form the International-American Hockey League. With the withdrawal of its last Canadian teams, the league was renamed the American Hockey League in 1941. The league gained six teams in the 2001-2002 season with the folding of the International Hockey League.

Related Topics:
Canadian-American Hockey League - Springfield - Boston - Quebec City - Providence - New Haven - International Hockey League

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League offices are in West Springfield, Massachusetts, and the AHL's current president is David Andrews.

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The AHL's annual playoff champion is awarded the Calder Cup trophy.

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