AHL announces 2015-16 divisional format

On Tuesday American Hockey League President and CEO David Andrews announced that the league’s Board of Governors approved divisional realignment to accommodate the shift of five teams to California cities. In addition to Ontario (LAK), San Diego (ANA), Bakersfield (EDM), Stockton (CGY) and San Jose (SJS), the newly formed Pacific Division will also feature the San Antonio Rampage (COL) and the Cedar Park-based Texas Stars (DAL).

Shortly after the league announced the California migration, there were reports both on LA Kings Insider and elsewhere that the California-based teams could potentially play shorter schedules and fewer three-in-three weekends. As of now, that remains the “understanding,” according to the Kings’ hockey operations; there’s no word at this point on how the Texas teams’ inclusion in the division affects scheduling. Once I have more information, I’ll share it here on LAKI.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Central Division
Charlotte Checkers (CAR)
Chicago Wolves (STL)
Grand Rapids Griffins (DET)
Iowa Wild (MIN)
Lake Erie Monsters (CBJ)
Manitoba Moose (WPG)
Milwaukee Admirals (NSH)
Rockford IceHogs (CHI)

Pacific Division
Bakersfield Condors (EDM)
Ontario Reign (LAK)
San Antonio Rampage (COL)
San Diego Gulls (ANA)
San Jose Barracuda (SJS)
Stockton Heat (CGY)
Texas Stars (DAL)

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Atlantic Division
Bridgeport Sound Tigers (NYI)
Hartford Wolf Pack (NYR)
Hershey Bears (WSH)
Lehigh Valley Phantoms (PHI)
Portland Pirates (FLA)
Providence Bruins (BOS)
Springfield Falcons (ARI)
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (PIT)

North Division
Albany Devils (NJD)
Binghamton Senators (OTT)
Rochester Americans (BUF)
St. John’s IceCaps (MTL)
Syracuse Crunch (TBL)
Toronto Marlies (TOR)
Utica Comets (VAN)

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