The acronym AHL stands for the term "American Hockey League." It refers to a professional ice hockey league in North America, spanning both the United States and Canada. The AHL serves as the primary developmental league for the National Hockey League (NHL). Founded in 1936, the AHL operates with a total of 31 teams, with the majority located in the United States.
The American Hockey League plays a crucial role in fostering talent and preparing players for the NHL. Many aspiring players, who are either newly drafted or progressing from lower-level leagues, find the AHL as an essential platform to further refine their skills. The league focuses on developing and nurturing players to improve their abilities, both on and off the ice, and to prepare them for the demanding standards of the NHL.
AHL teams regularly play an 80-game regular season, competing within their respective divisions and conferences. The league's playoffs follow a best-of-seven format, eventually crowning a champion known as the Calder Cup winner. AHL games attract fans with fast-paced action, intense competition, and a level of play that showcases both skill and physicality.
The American Hockey League has played a significant role in shaping the careers of numerous NHL superstars, with many players spending time in the AHL before reaching the pinnacle of professional hockey. The league remains an influential entity in the world of ice hockey, serving as a training ground for talent in North America.
