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AHL

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description AHL Overview

The American Hockey League is a professional ice hockey league founded in 1936 and operating in the United States and Canada. It serves as the principal developmental league for the National Hockey League, with every NHL club maintaining an affiliation through which contracted players can be assigned, recalled, and developed. AHL teams contest a regular season and the Calder Cup playoffs, providing competition for prospects, veteran professionals, coaches, and officials working toward NHL roles.

help AHL FAQ

What is the American Hockey League, and when was it founded?

The AHL is a professional ice hockey league in the United States and Canada, not a junior or amateur competition. Its modern league structure began in 1936 and it serves as the principal development league for the NHL.

How do NHL affiliations work in the AHL?

Each NHL club maintains an AHL affiliation through which prospects can play regular professional games and develop before an NHL call-up. As of the 2025-26 season, all 32 NHL teams had AHL affiliations.

What is the Calder Cup in the AHL?

The Calder Cup is the AHL's championship trophy awarded to the playoff winner. It is named after Frank Calder, the first president of the NHL.

How did the AHL begin in 1936?

On October 4, 1936, officials from the International Hockey League and the Canadian-American Hockey League announced a combined circuit. It initially played as the International-American Hockey League before adopting the American Hockey League name.

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