AHL (American Hockey League)

The step before the NHL

The American Hockey League is the league directly below the NHL. It was formed in 1936 from the merger of two older leagues. Today it is closely linked to the NHL: each NHL club has a farm team in the AHL to which it assigns players. Anyone without a roster spot in the NHL gains game experience there. If an NHL player is injured, someone is often called up from the AHL at short notice.

Competition

The AHL plays under rules that largely match those of the NHL, on rinks of the same size. Teams from the USA and Canada are divided into conferences and divisions. After the regular season come the playoffs for the Calder Cup, named after Frank Calder, the first president of the NHL. The venues are often in medium-sized cities near the NHL partner so that players can move quickly.

More than a waiting room

For many players the AHL is a springboard, for others a stop lasting years. Besides young talents, experienced professionals play there, who are meant to help the youngsters and play an important role for the AHL itself. Coaches and referees also gain experience here before working in the NHL. Many of today's NHL coaches previously stood behind an AHL bench.

Connection to the German-speaking region

Numerous players from Germany, Austria and Switzerland spent their first years in North America in the AHL before making the jump to the NHL or returning to Europe. For talents from the DEL or the National League, the AHL is often the first step after the draft. For many Europeans, adjusting to the smaller ice surface and the many bus trips is a challenge.

Context

In sporting terms, the AHL is often compared with the strongest European leagues. The difference lies mainly in the average age and the role: top European leagues are independent competitions for championship titles, whereas the AHL serves primarily as development for the NHL. Below it is another professional league, the ECHL, which also cooperates with NHL clubs.

Season and watching

Like the NHL, the AHL season runs from October to April, followed by the Calder Cup playoffs. Tickets are considerably cheaper than in the NHL, and the arenas are smaller. For ice hockey fans travelling in the USA, an AHL game is a good way to see future NHL players up close.