Frequently Asked Questions (2024)

Where can I watch AHL games online?

Every AHL game can be seen on the AHL’s online streaming platform, AHLTV. Check it out at AHLTV.com.

I have a question/concern/problem with AHLTV. Who should I contact?

AHLTV’s customer support portal can be found by clicking on the Support link at AHLTV.com.

How many teams qualify for the Calder Cup Playoffs?

23 teams qualify for the AHL’s postseason. Click here for the Calder Cup qualification rules from 2023.

How does the AHL break ties?

When is the AHL schedule released?

The American Hockey League’s regular-season schedule is usually released each year in mid-July. A full schedule of preseason games is usually available in mid-September.

Where can I find contact information for your teams?

You can click here for member club information, including phone numbers, websites, social media links and arena locations.

How can I play or work in the AHL?

The AHL serves as the top development league for the National Hockey League, and the vast majority of players in the AHL have been chosen in the NHL Entry Draft and signed to an NHL contract. Occasionally, players are signed as free agents based on scouting information compiled by AHL teams and their parent clubs. For further information on tryouts, camps or other playing opportunities, please contact our teams individually.

If you’re interested in employment or internship opportunities with the AHL office, you can visit our jobs board at Teamwork Online.

How can I become an off-ice official?

AHL off-ice officials (statisticians, penalty box attendants, etc.) are managed by each club. Contact your local team if you are interested in learning about becoming an off-ice official.

What is the AHL’s development rule?

In the AHL, player development is a top priority. The American Hockey League and the Professional Hockey Players’ Association have the following development rule in place:

Of the eighteen (18) skaters (not counting two goaltenders) that teams may dress for a game, at least thirteen (13) must be qualified as “development players.” Of those 13, twelve (12) must have played in 260 or fewer professional games (including AHL, NHL and European elite leagues), and one must have played in 320 or fewer professional games. All calculations for development status are based on regular-season totals as of the start of the season.

Who qualifies as an AHL rookie?

Per the AHL’s By-Laws:

To be considered a rookie, a player must not have played in a total of twenty-five (25) or more AHL and/or NHL regular-season games in any preceding seasons, nor in six (6) or more AHL and/or NHL regular-season games in each of any two preceding seasons, nor in one hundred (100) regular-season games in any European Elite League. A player who has met these qualifications but did so while playing on an amateur try-out agreement or as a signed junior will not have those games count towards his rookie status. Any player at least twenty-six (26) years of age (by Sept. 15 of that season) is not considered a rookie.

What is the minimum age for an AHL player?

Per the AHL’s By-Laws, the age limit for eligibility to compete in the American Hockey League is 18 years or over, on or before September 15 of each season of competition.

What do those abbreviations on your transactions page stand for?

SPC = Standard players’ contract (also known as an “AHL contract”)
PTO = Professional try-out contract
ATO = Amateur try-out contract

AHL players not signed to one of these three contracts are on NHL contracts and assigned to their respective AHL clubs by their parent team.

Sure thing! The AHL (American Hockey League) is a fascinating ecosystem tied intricately to the development and progression of professional hockey players. Let's delve into the concepts and intricacies mentioned in the article you provided:

AHLTV: AHL's official online streaming platform is AHLTV.com, offering access to every AHL game.
AHLTV Customer Support: Issues with AHLTV can be addressed via their customer support portal, accessible through the "Support" link on AHLTV.com.
Calder Cup Playoffs: 23 teams qualify for the AHL's postseason. Rules for qualification can be found in the Calder Cup qualification rules from 2023.
Tie-Breaking in AHL Games: Following regulation, tied games move to a five-minute, 3-on-3 overtime period. If the tie persists, a shootout occurs, progressing to sudden-death rounds until a winner is decided.
AHL Schedule Release: Regular-season schedules typically release in mid-July, while preseason schedules are available in mid-September.
Team Contact Information: Member club information, including phone numbers, websites, social media links, and arena locations, can be accessed by clicking on the provided link.
Playing or Working in AHL: AHL primarily serves as the top developmental league for the NHL. Players are typically drafted into the NHL and assigned to AHL teams. Occasionally, players are signed as free agents based on scouting information. For playing opportunities, contacting individual teams is recommended. Job or internship opportunities within the AHL office can be found on their jobs board at Teamwork Online.
Becoming an Off-Ice Official: Off-ice officials (statisticians, penalty box attendants, etc.) are managed by individual clubs. Contact your local team if interested in becoming an off-ice official.
AHL's Development Rule: This rule emphasizes player development. Of the 18 skaters dressed for a game, at least 13 must qualify as "development players," with specific limits on professional game totals.
AHL Rookie Qualification: Criteria for AHL rookie status are based on the number of games played in the AHL, NHL, and European elite leagues in previous seasons, with age also a factor.
Minimum Age for AHL Player: The age limit for AHL eligibility is 18 years or older, on or before September 15 of each competition season.
Abbreviations on Transactions Page: SPC stands for Standard Players' Contract (AHL Contract), PTO for Professional Try-Out Contract, and ATO for Amateur Try-Out Contract. AHL players not on these contracts are on NHL contracts assigned to AHL clubs by their parent team.

This comprehensive understanding of AHL's operations, rules, and protocols helps navigate the league's various aspects, whether it's watching games, understanding player qualifications, or seeking involvement in different capacities within the league.