BRIDGEPORT—The Amercan Hockey League announced today that a schedule unification plan has been adopted that will see all teams play a 72-game regular-season schedule beginning in 2022-23.
As part of the plan, for the 2021-22 season, all teams in the Atlantic, North and Central Divisions have the option of playing either 76 or 72 games, while teams in the Pacific Division will play 68 games.
Additionally, there will be an increase in the number of teams qualifying for the Calder Cup Playoffs each year; details will be finalized and announced later in the off-season.
The Bridgeport Islanders (formerly the Sound Tigers), Hartford Wolf Pack, and Providence Bruins will play 72-games in the 2021-22 regular season, while the Springfield Thunderbirds will play a 76-game slate.
“I am very pleased that we were able to achieve a schedule of 72 games for all teams in the American Hockey League,” AHL President and CEO Scott Howso said. “In coming together to create a plan that is fair and equitable, our owners have demonstrated a commitment to the long-term strength of the league.”
The following alignment has been approved for the Atlantic Division for the 2021-22 AHL season (National Hockey League affiliations in parentheses):
Atlantic Division
*Bridgeport Islanders (New York Islanders)
*Hartford Wolf Pack (New York Rangers)
*Providence Bruins (Boston Bruins)
*Springfield Thunderbirds (St. Louis Blues)
*Charlotte Checkers (Florida Panthers)
*Hershey Bears (Washington Capitals)
*Lehigh Valley Phantoms (Philadelphia Flyers)
*Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (Pittsburgh Penguins)
AHL teams playing 76 games in 2021-22: Chicago, Cleveland, Grand Rapids, Hershey, Lehigh Valley, Milwaukee, Rochester, Springfield, Syracuse, W-B/Scranton
AHL teams playing 72 games in 2021-22: Belleville, Bridgeport, Charlotte, Hartford, Iowa, Laval, Manitoba, Providence, Rockford, Texas, Toronto, Utica
AHL teams playing 68 games in 2021-22: Abbotsford, Bakersfield, Colorado, Henderson, Ontario, San Diego, San Jose, Stockton, Tucson
The playing schedule and postseason format for the 2021-22 season, which begins Oct. 15, will be announced this summer.
—Staff Reports
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