AHL Announces New Schedule
by Chris Meiman
Published on June 28, 2005 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Rumors that hockey might make an earlier than expected return to Cincinnati turned out to be just that - rumors. Today the American Hockey League announced its 2005-2006 schedule with 27 teams in four divisions, including teams in four new cities.
The final piece of the puzzle came when the Phoenix Coyotes agreed to a deal with the San Antonio Rampage to develop their minor league players. The Arizona Republic terms the deal as "multi-year." Phoenix was able to buy out the 50% share of the Rampage owned by the Florida Panthers. It was unclear whether or not the Coyotes also bought the other 50%, owned by the newly crowned NBA Champion San Antonio Spurs. Earlier reports had the Spurs pushing to have a Central Hockey League franchise in place of the Rampage to try to solve lagging attendance problems. The move still leaves the Florida Panthers without an AHL affiliate for the upcoming season, however earlier reports had General Manager Mike Keenan very interested in a secondary affiliation with the new Toronto Marlies, AHL affiliate of the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Panthers also expect to have many of their young players playing in Florida this season.
The new schedule and alignment illustrates the dramatic shift in geographic focus for the AHL. Gone are two Northeast teams, St. John's and Worcester, as well as the two westernmost teams, Utah and Edmonton. In their stead are three midwestern teams: Omaha, Peoria, and Des Moines, Iowa and the afore-mentioned Marlies. For Cincinnati hockey fans it means the first season without professional hockey since 1990. Attention will soon begin to focus on the 2006-2007 season when Cincinnati hopes to return to the ice under a new name and a new NHL partner. Several teams have deals that expire with their AHL affiliates after next season, amongst them the Columbus Blue Jackets and their deal with the Syracuse Crunch. Cincinnati's other hockey team, the ECHL Cyclones, also received a voluntary suspension for the upcoming season, their second in as many years.
Chris Meiman covers Florence Freedom baseball and Cincinnati minor league hockey. He can be reached at chrismeiman@yahoo.com
American Hockey League Stories from June 28, 2005
- AHL Announces New Schedule - OSC Original by Chris Meiman
- Senators 2005-06 opponents announced - Binghamton Senators
- AHL Announces Division Alignment, Schedule Formats For 2005-06 - Manchester Monarchs
- Wolves remain in wild West - Chicago Wolves
- Penguins to remain in East Division - Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
- Griffins move to North Division - Grand Rapids Griffins
- Bruins remain in Atlantic Division - Providence Bruins
- Ads to continue play in the West - Milwaukee Admirals
- Bears return to the FM dial in 2005-06 - Hershey Bears
- Bulldogs to play more teams than ever before in 2005-06 - Hamilton Bulldogs
- Lock Monsters remain in Atlantic Division - Albany Devils
- Wolf Pack remain part of Atlantic Division - Connecticut Whale
- AHL sets divisions, schedule and playoff formats for 2005-06 - Peoria Rivermen
- Falcons to have new division opponent in Albany River Rats - Springfield Falcons
- Stars aligned with geographical rivals - Iowa Chops
- Phantoms 2005-06 schedule format announced - Adirondack Phantoms
- Pirates announce date for home opener - Portland Pirates
- Bears announce 2005-06 schedule - Hershey Bears
- Three new divisional foes, 2003 Calder Cup Finals rematch await Aeros - Houston Aeros
- AHL announces division alignments, schedule and playoff formats for 2005-06 - AHL
- Griffins' home opener set for October 15 - Grand Rapids Griffins
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer(s), and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
