The American Hockey League (AHL) continues to thrive, drawing significant crowds and solidifying its role as a premier development league for the National Hockey League (NHL). In operation since 1936, the AHL serves as the top development league for all 32 National Hockey League teams.
Let's delve into the latest attendance statistics and explore the key factors driving this success.
Overall Attendance Growth
The AHL experienced a notable increase in attendance. The total of 6,819,875 fans in 1,152 games represented an increase of 4.9 percent over last season.
This growth underscores the league's enduring appeal and the passionate fan base it has cultivated over the years.
Team Standouts
Several teams stood out in terms of attendance figures, demonstrating the diverse and geographically widespread support for AHL hockey.
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Cleveland Monsters: Attendance Leaders
The Cleveland Monsters led the league in attendance for the fourth time in the last five seasons by drawing 10,264 fans per game to Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, the highest average attendance by an AHL team in 25 years.
Their consistently high attendance figures highlight the strong connection between the team and the Cleveland community.
Significant Attendance Increases
Twenty-six of the league’s 32 teams saw an increase in attendance in their home rink from last season, led by Laval (+21.0%) and the Hartford Wolf Pack (+17.4%).
These substantial increases suggest a growing interest in hockey in these markets and the effectiveness of team marketing efforts.
AHL's Role in NHL Development
The American Hockey League is more than just a league; it's a crucial stepping stone for aspiring NHL players. Nearly 90 percent of all players competing in the NHL are AHL graduates.
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Through the years the American Hockey League has been home to more than 100 honored members of the Hockey Hall of Fame.
This statistic underscores the league's vital role in nurturing talent and preparing players for the highest level of professional hockey. Many NHL stars honed their skills and developed their game in the AHL before making the jump to the NHL.
Key Takeaways
Here's a summary of the key findings:
- Overall AHL attendance increased by 4.9% compared to last season.
- The Cleveland Monsters led the league in attendance, averaging 10,264 fans per game.
- Laval and the Hartford Wolf Pack experienced the largest attendance increases, at 21.0% and 17.4% respectively.
- The AHL continues to be a primary development league for the NHL, with nearly 90% of NHL players being AHL graduates.
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AHL Attendance Statistics Table
The following table summarizes the attendance statistics discussed in this article.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Attendance | 6,819,875 |
| Number of Games | 1,152 |
| Attendance Increase Over Last Season | 4.9% |
| Attendance Leader | Cleveland Monsters (10,264 fans per game) |
| Largest Attendance Increase | Laval (+21.0%) |
These figures provide a clear picture of the AHL's current state and its ongoing success in attracting fans and developing future NHL stars.
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