The American Hockey League is set to return to action today for its 86th season of play, with six games kicking things off.

The pandemic presented numerous obstacles last season. But the AHL and its teams pulled off the 2020-21 season, made it through, and set themselves up for that hoped-for pay-off of normalcy. Now they have that reward.

The jump to the AHL is a test for any official. But it’s a chance these women know they’ve earned, and they hope that not only can they continue to progress in their own careers, but that other women will see this as a legitimate path forward in hockey.

For the first time in league history, the AHL roster of on-ice officials for the 2021-22 season includes female referees and linespeople.

The American Hockey League announced today its composite 2021 preseason schedule, leading up to the start of the league’s 86th campaign next month.

The AHL Board of Governors has selected the 2020-21 recipients of several league awards for excellence and service.

The AHL Board of Governors has approved the qualification rules and format for the 2022 Calder Cup Playoffs. A total of 23 teams will qualify for postseason play, with five rounds of playoffs leading to the crowning of a Calder Cup champion.

Whatever your favorite AHL team’s roster needs might be this summer, a deep field of familiar – and available – names can satisfy them.

The AHL has released the complete schedule of games for the 2021-22 regular season, the league’s 86th year of operation. The season, with 31 teams playing a total of 1,118 games, begins October 15 and concludes April 24.

32 NHL teams are preparing for the 2021 Draft, and their AHL affiliates are ready for the next wave of young stars to begin their pro careers.