Top 10 Professional Minor League Ice Hockey Teams in NHL

Ice hockey is a popular sport in many countries, especially in North America and Europe. There are many professional leagues that showcase the talent and skill of ice hockey players, from the National Hockey League (NHL) to the minor leagues. Minor league ice hockey teams are usually affiliated with NHL teams and serve as a development platform for young and aspiring players. Some of these teams have a long and rich history, while others are relatively new and emerging.

Top 10 Professional Minor League Ice Hockey Teams in NHL

In this article, we will rank the top 10 most famous professional minor league ice hockey teams in 2023, based on their performance, fan base, and media attention.

10. Savannah Ghost Pirates

The Savannah Ghost Pirates are a professional minor league ice hockey team in the ECHL based in Savannah, Georgia. The team began play in the 2022–23 ECHL season with home games at Enmarket Arena. The team is affiliated with the Vegas Golden Knights of the NHL and the Henderson Silver Knights of the AHL. The team’s name and logo are inspired by the city’s history and culture, featuring a gator-head design fused in the form of an ice skate. The team’s head coach is Rick Bennett, a former NHL player and Union Dutchmen head coach. The team plays in the South Division of the Eastern Conference in the ECHL.

9. Florida Everblades

The Florida Everblades are a professional minor league ice hockey team based in Estero, Florida, in the Cape Coral-Fort Myers metropolitan area. They play in the ECHL and are affiliated with the Florida Panthers of the NHL and the Charlotte Checkers of the AHL starting in the 2022–23 ECHL season. Their home games are played at Hertz Arena. The team was founded in 1998 and named after the Florida Everglades. The team’s logo features a gator-head design similar to the Savannah Ghost Pirates, but with different colors and details. The team’s general manager is Craig Brush and their head coach is Brad Ralph. The team has won three Kelly Cups, the championship trophy of the ECHL, in 2012, 2022 and 2023.

8. Hershey Bears

The Hershey Bears are a professional minor league ice hockey team based in Hershey, Pennsylvania. They play in the American Hockey League (AHL) and are affiliated with the Washington Capitals of the NHL. Their home games are played at Giant Center. The team was founded in 1938 and is one of the oldest and most successful teams in the AHL. The team’s name and logo are derived from their original owner, Milton S. Hershey, who also founded the Hershey Chocolate Company. The team’s general manager is Brian Helmer and their head coach is Spencer Carbery. The team has won 11 Calder Cups, the championship trophy of the AHL, more than any other team in history.

7. Toronto Marlies

The Toronto Marlies are a professional minor league ice hockey team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They play in the AHL and are affiliated with the Toronto Maple Leafs of the NHL. Their home games are played at Coca-Cola Coliseum. The team was founded in 2005 as a relocation of the St. John’s Maple Leafs. The team’s name and logo are similar to their parent club, but with different colors and fonts. The team’s general manager is Laurence Gilman and their head coach is Greg Moore. The team has won one Calder Cup in 2018 and has reached the finals three times.

6. Milwaukee Admirals

The Milwaukee Admirals are a professional minor league ice hockey team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. They play in the AHL and are affiliated with the Nashville Predators of the NHL. Their home games are played at UW–Milwaukee Panther Arena. The team was founded in 1970 as an amateur club and joined the professional ranks in 1977. The team’s name and logo are inspired by a former amateur team called the Milwaukee Wings, which had an anchor logo. The team’s president is Jon Greenberg and their head coach is Karl Taylor. The team has won one Calder Cup in 2004 and has reached the finals four times.

5. Grand Rapids Griffins

The Grand Rapids Griffins are a professional minor league ice hockey team based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. They play in the AHL and are affiliated with the Detroit Red Wings of the NHL. Their home games are played at Van Andel Arena. The team was founded in 1996 and joined the AHL in 2001. The team’s name and logo are based on a mythical creature called a griffin, which has the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle. The team’s president is Tim Gortsema and their head coach is Ben Simon. The team has won two Calder Cups in 2013 and 2017 and has reached the finals three times.

4. Chicago Wolves

The Chicago Wolves are a professional minor league ice hockey team based in Rosemont, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. They play in the AHL and are affiliated with the Carolina Hurricanes of the NHL. Their home games are played at Allstate Arena. The team was founded in 1994 and joined the AHL in 2001. The team’s name and logo are based on a wolf, a symbol of strength and loyalty. The team’s chairman is Don Levin and their head coach is Ryan Warsofsky. The team has won four league championships, two Turner Cups in the International Hockey League and two Calder Cups in the AHL, in 1998, 2000, 2002 and 2008.

3. Providence Bruins

The Providence Bruins are a professional minor league ice hockey team based in Providence, Rhode Island. They play in the AHL and are affiliated with the Boston Bruins of the NHL. Their home games are played at Dunkin’ Donuts Center. The team was founded in 1992 as a relocation of the Maine Mariners. The team’s name and logo are identical to their parent club, but with different colors. The team’s general manager is John Ferguson Jr. and their head coach is Jay Leach. The team has won one Calder Cup in 1999 and has reached the finals four times.

2. Rochester Americans

The Rochester Americans are a professional minor league ice hockey team based in Rochester, New York. They play in the AHL and are affiliated with the Buffalo Sabres of the NHL. Their home games are played at Blue Cross Arena. The team was founded in 1956 and is one of the oldest and most storied teams in the AHL. The team’s name and logo are based on an American flag motif, with red, white and blue colors. The team’s general manager is Jason Karmanos and their head coach is Seth Appert. The team has won six Calder Cups in 1965, 1966, 1968, 1983, 1987 and 1996 and has reached the finals nine times.

1. Utica Comets

The Utica Comets are a professional minor league ice hockey team based in Utica, New York. They play in the AHL and are affiliated with the Vancouver Canucks of the NHL. Their home games are played at Adirondack Bank Center at Utica Memorial Auditorium. The team was founded in 2013 as a relocation of the Peoria Rivermen. The team’s name and logo are based on a comet, a celestial object that symbolizes speed and power. The team’s president is Robert Esche and their head coach is Trent Cull. The team has won one Calder Cup in 2023 and has reached the finals twice.

Conclusion

These are the top 10 most famous professional minor league ice hockey teams in 2023, according to our ranking criteria. Of course, there are many other teams that deserve recognition and respect for their achievements and contributions to the sport. We hope you enjoyed this article and learned something new about these teams. If you have any comments or suggestions, please feel free to share them with us.

10 Most Asked Questions and Answers

Q: What is the difference between minor league ice hockey and major league ice hockey? A: Minor league ice hockey refers to professional leagues that are below the NHL level, such as the AHL and the ECHL. Major league ice hockey refers to the NHL, which is the highest level of professional ice hockey in North America.

Q: How do minor league ice hockey teams get players? A: Minor league ice hockey teams get players from various sources, such as drafts, trades, free agency, loans, or assignments from their NHL affiliates. Some players also sign contracts directly with minor league teams.

Q: How do minor league ice hockey teams make money? A: Minor league ice hockey teams make money from various sources, such as ticket sales, merchandise sales, sponsorships, broadcasting rights, and revenue sharing from their NHL affiliates. However, some teams may struggle to break even or make a profit due to high operating costs and low attendance.

Q: How do minor league ice hockey teams get fans? A: Minor league ice hockey teams get fans by offering affordable and entertaining games, engaging with the local community, promoting their players and alumni, and creating a loyal and passionate fan base. Some teams also have rivalries or partnerships with other teams that attract more fans.

Q: How do minor league ice hockey players get to the NHL? A: Minor league ice hockey players get to the NHL by proving themselves on the ice, developing their skills and abilities, impressing their coaches and scouts, and earning a call-up or a contract from their NHL affiliates or other NHL teams. Some players may also get drafted by NHL teams directly from junior or college leagues.

Q: How long is the minor league ice hockey season? A: The minor league ice hockey season varies depending on the league and the year. For example, in the 2022–23 season, the AHL season consisted of 72 regular-season games and 16 playoff games, while the ECHL season consisted of 72 regular-season games and 28 playoff games.

Q: What are the benefits of playing in the minor league ice hockey? A: The benefits of playing in the minor league ice hockey include getting paid to play the sport they love, gaining valuable experience and exposure, improving their chances of reaching the NHL, learning from veteran players and coaches, traveling to different cities and countries, and enjoying the camaraderie and competition with their teammates and opponents.

Q: What are the challenges of playing in the minor league ice hockey? A: The challenges of playing in the minor league ice hockey include facing physical and mental stress, dealing with injuries and illnesses, coping with uncertainty and instability, adjusting to different cultures and lifestyles, managing their finances and personal lives, and handling pressure and expectations from themselves and others.

Q: What are some of the best minor league ice hockey arenas? A: Some of the best minor league ice hockey arenas are those that have a large capacity, a modern design, a comfortable atmosphere, a convenient location, a loyal fan base, and a rich history. Some examples are Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Allstate Arena in Chicago, Giant Center in Hershey, Coca-Cola Coliseum in Toronto, and Adirondack Bank Center in Utica.

Q: What are some of the best minor league ice hockey jerseys? A: Some of the best minor league ice hockey jerseys are those that have a unique design, a catchy name, a vibrant color scheme, a creative logo, a meaningful symbolism, and a stylish look. Some examples are Savannah Ghost Pirates’ home jersey, Florida Everblades’ alternate jersey, Hershey Bears’ classic jersey, Toronto Marlies’ retro jersey, and Utica Comets’ galaxy jersey.

Q: What are some of the best minor league ice hockey mascots? A: Some of the best minor league ice hockey mascots are those that have a fun personality, a cute appearance, a clever name, a relevant theme, a humorous behavior, and a friendly interaction with fans. Some examples are Skates the Wolf from Chicago Wolves, Coco the Bear from Hershey Bears, Griff from Grand Rapids Griffins, Blades from Florida Everblades, and Audie from Utica Comets.

Q: What are some of the best minor league ice hockey traditions? A: Some of the best minor league ice hockey traditions are those that have a long history, a festive spirit, a charitable cause, a memorable moment, or a fan participation. Some examples are Teddy Bear Toss from Hershey Bears, Miracle on Ice Night from Rochester Americans, Star Wars Night from Utica Comets, St. Patrick’s Day Game from Chicago Wolves, and Calder Cup Replica Giveaway from Grand Rapids Griffins.