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AHL

AHL Hockey is a professional ice hockey league based in North America. It serves as the primary developmental system for the National Hockey League (NHL). The league comprises of 31 teams across the United States and Canada and plays its games from October to April, with playoffs and a championship series in the spring. The American Hockey League was founded in 1936 with the merger of two predecessor leagues. In each season since the 1936-37 season, a champion is crowned based on the playoffs. The Calder Cup is named after Frank Calder, the first President of the National Hockey League. The league has many popular teams, including former Stanley Cup champions the Hershey Bears and Providence Bruins. Current top-tier NHL prospects such as Auston Matthews and Jack Eichel have also spent time in the AHL. With 31 teams in the league, teams are grouped by divisions; Atlantic, North, Central and Pacific. The top 4 teams of each division make up the playoffs where teams compete for the right to play for the Calder Cup. Historically, the AHL has been an important factor in the development of NHL talent. Over 88% of current NHL players have had experience in the AHL at some point in their career. The AHL also holds a number of records. The Hershey Bears are the most successful team in the AHL, having won 11 Calder Cups during the regular season, as well as a record 27 playoff championships. The AHL is sometimes referred to as “The Step Before The NHL” and it’s where some of the best players in the world hone their skills and even compete for the Calder Cup championship. With a strong developmental system, exciting games, and passionate fans, the AHL is a great place for hockey fans and is developing its own passionate fan base. AHL hockey is where you can find stars of tomorrow, today.