2020–21 AHL season

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The 2020–21 AHL season was the 85th season of the American Hockey League. Due to the ongoing restrictions in the COVID-19 pandemic, the start of the regular season was pushed back to February 5, 2021,[1] and the league's playoff tournament championship Calder Cup was not awarded for the second consecutive season. The AHL's regular-season Macgregor Kilpatrick Trophy would become the league's primary trophy, which was the Hershey Bears's eighth regular-season championship. This was the first season under Scott Howson as the league's president after David Andrews announced his retirement after 26 years in the position.

Quick facts League, Sport ...
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League changes

After the previous season was curtailed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there was no certainty for the AHL's 2020–21 season due to continuing limitations on arena capacities and traveling during the pandemic.[2] The league had originally hoped to start play by December 4, 2020,[3] but was later pushed back to at least February 5, 2021.[1] Similar to the National Hockey League, the league was reportedly exploring the option of playing with an all-Canada division due to increased border travel restrictions between the United States and Canada.[4]

On January 4, 2021, the league announced its plans and divisional alignment for the shortened season. The four Canadian teams were placed in their own division with a season start date still pending provincial approval.[5] Three teams opted out of the season entirely: the Charlotte Checkers, Milwaukee Admirals, and the Springfield Thunderbirds. Seven teams temporarily relocated to be closer to their parent teams or due to venue availability during the pandemic: the Belleville Senators to Ottawa;[6] the Binghamton Devils to Newark, New Jersey; the Laval Rocket to Montreal;[7] the Ontario Reign to El Segundo, California; the Providence Bruins to Marlborough, Massachusetts; the San Diego Gulls to Irvine, California; and the Stockton Heat to Calgary.[8] The San Jose Barracuda also opened their season with home games in Tucson before returning to San Jose.

The schedule for the American divisions was released on January 22; however, the Canadian teams had not yet received provincial clearance.[9] Stockton then moved from the Pacific to the Canadian Division on January 28 causing scheduling changes to the Pacific Division.[10] On February 1, the league announced a revised schedule and that the start of the season for the Canadian Division had been postponed.[11] The beginning of the Canadian schedule was released on February 9 with a February 12 start date, but the two Ontario teams still did not have approval to play at home.[12]

The league allowed each division the choice to hold a divisional postseason. On April 29, it was announced that only the Pacific Division had elected to hold a postseason tournament to name a division champion, with the other four divisions awarding their champions via regular season records. Consequently, the league would not award the Calder Cup for a second consecutive season.[13]

Team and NHL affiliation changes

Relocations

Hiatus

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, three teams chose to not participate in the season.

Affiliation changes

More information AHL team, New affiliate ...
AHL team New affiliate Previous affiliate
Charlotte Checkers[a]Florida PanthersCarolina Hurricanes
Chicago WolvesCarolina HurricanesVegas Golden Knights
Henderson Silver Knights[b]Vegas Golden KnightsSt. Louis Blues
Springfield Thunderbirds[a]St. Louis BluesFlorida Panthers
AHL team Primary affiliate New secondary affiliate[c]
Chicago WolvesCarolina HurricanesNashville Predators[14]
Syracuse CrunchTampa Bay LightningFlorida Panthers[15]
Utica CometsVancouver CanucksSt. Louis Blues[16]
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  1. Primary affiliation prior to team opting out of the season.
  2. Affiliation change as the San Antonio Rampage
  3. Due to three teams opting out of the season, temporary dual NHL affiliations were permitted

Coaching changes

More information Off–season, Team ...
Off–season
Team2019–20 coach2020–21 coachNotes
Charlotte CheckersRyan WarsofskyGeordie KinnearWarsofsky left the Checkers for the Chicago Wolves when the Carolina Hurricanes switched affiliations. Warsofsky had coached the Checkers for one season and 34–22–5–0 record after coming from the ECHL's South Carolina Stingrays.[17] After the Checkers affiliated with the Florida Panthers, Kinnear was named the new head coach on September 28, 2020, after serving in the same position with the Panthers' previous affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds. Kinnear had previously served as an assistant coach in Charlotte from 2010 to 2016.[18]
Chicago WolvesRocky ThompsonRyan WarsofskyThompson left the Wolves on July 18, 2020, after three seasons and a 113–71–18–11 record to join the San Jose Sharks coaching staff.[19] Warsofsky was brought to the Wolves by their new NHL affiliate, the Carolina Hurricanes in September 2020.
Henderson Silver KnightsDrew BannisterEmanuel ViveirosBannister stayed with the Blues' organization when the Rampage franchise was relocated by the Vegas Golden Knights to Henderson. Viveiros was named the Silver Knights' first head coach on August 31, 2020, after serving as the head coach of the Spokane Chiefs in the Western Hockey League with a 41–18–4–1 record.[20]
Ontario ReignMike StothersJohn WroblewskiOn May 30, 2020, the Los Angeles Kings announced that they would not renew Stothers' contract as head coach of the Reign.[21] Wroblewski was hired on August 17, 2020.[22]
Rochester AmericansChris TaylorSeth AppertOn June 16, 2020, the Buffalo Sabres fired the entire Americans' coaching staff including Taylor.[23] Appert was hired on August 14, 2020.[24]
San Jose BarracudaJimmy Bonneau
Michael Chiasson
Roy SommerSommer was called up as an associate coach for the San Jose Sharks during the previous season after serving as the head coach of the Sharks' AHL affiliate since first being named to the position with the Kentucky Thoroughblades on May 28, 1998. Assistant coaches Bonneau and Chiasson were named as co-coaches of the Barracuda until the end of the season[25] when Sommer was sent back to the Barracuda.[26]
Springfield ThunderbirdsGeordie KinnearDrew BannisterKinnear left the Thunderbirds after their affiliate, the Florida Panthers, changed their affiliation to the Charlotte Checkers. Kinnear had led the Thunderbirds since 2016 and a 128–126–26–9 record. Bannister was brought on as the new head coach from the San Antonio Rampage, the former St. Louis Blues' affiliate that was sold and relocated as the Henderson Silver Knights.
Tucson RoadrunnersJay VaradySteve PotvinPrior to the postponed start of the season, Roadrunners' head coach Jay Varady was brought up to the Arizona Coyotes' staff as an assistant coach[27] and Roadrunners' assistant coach Steve Potvin was promoted as the head coach.[28]
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton PenguinsMike VellucciJ. D. ForrestOn September 2, 2020, Vellucci was promoted to an assistant coach position with the Pittsburgh Penguins.[29] On September 11, Forrest was named head coach after serving as an assistant coach for the WBS Penguins since August 2016.[30]
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Final standings

 y–  indicates team clinched regular season division title

Final standings as of May 20, 2021[31]

More information Atlantic Division, GP ...
Atlantic Division GP W L OTL SOL Pts Pts% GF GA
y–Providence Bruins (BOS)251562232.6807860
Hartford Wolf Pack (NYR)241491029.6048274
Bridgeport Sound Tigers (NYI)248142018.3755981
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More information Canadian Division, GP ...
Canadian Division GP W L OTL SOL Pts Pts% GF GA
y–Laval Rocket (MTL)362393150.69411387
Manitoba Moose (WPG)3618133241.569109102
Belleville Senators (OTT)3518161037.529102111
Toronto Marlies (TOR)3516170234.486111119
Stockton Heat (CGY)3011172024.4007995
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More information North Division, GP ...
North Division GP W L OTL SOL Pts Pts% GF GA
y–Hershey Bears (WSH)332472050.75811077
Lehigh Valley Phantoms (PHI)321874243[a].6729692
Syracuse Crunch (FLA/TBL)3219103041.64112093
Utica Comets (STL/VAN)2816110133.5898988
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (PIT)3213134232.50092107
Rochester Americans (BUF)2911152125.43189116
Binghamton Devils (NJD)357205222[a].31489127
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More information Central Division, GP ...
Central Division GP W L OTL SOL Pts Pts% GF GA
y–Chicago Wolves (CAR/NSH)332191245.68213294
Cleveland Monsters (CBJ)2916101235.60310186
Grand Rapids Griffins (DET)3216123136.5639697
Iowa Wild (MIN)3417134038.559107113
Texas Stars (DAL)3817183037.487117124
Rockford IceHogs (CHI)3212191025.39189115
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More information Pacific Division, GP ...
Pacific Division GP W L OTL SOL Pts Pts% GF GA
y–Henderson Silver Knights (VGK)3925130151.654125102
Bakersfield Condors (EDM)3924140149.628129104
San Diego Gulls (ANA)4426171053.602153142
San Jose Barracuda (SJS)3615154236.500105127
Colorado Eagles (COL)3415153134.500101104
Ontario Reign (LAK)4017194038.475136149
Tucson Roadrunners (ARI)3613203029.403103126
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  1. The March 10 game between Lehigh Valley and Binghamton was suspended after one period with the teams tied 1–1 due a player testing positive for COVID-19. The game was declared a draw with each team earning one point.[32]

Statistical leaders

Leading skaters

The following players are sorted by points, then goals. Final as of May 20, 2021.[33]

GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/– = P Plus–minus; PIM = Penalty minutes

Leading goaltenders

The following goaltenders with a minimum 660 minutes played lead the league in goals against average. Final as of May 20, 2021.[34]

GP = Games played; TOI = Time on ice (in minutes); SA = Shots against; GA = Goals against; SO = Shutouts; GAA = Goals against average; SV% = Save percentage; W = Wins; L = Losses; OT = Overtime/shootout loss

More information Player, Team ...
Player Team GPTOISAGASOGAASV%WLOT
Zachary FucaleHershey Bears 11665:362942011.80.932920
Logan ThompsonHenderson Silver Knights 231349:377684421.96.9431661
Cayden PrimeauLaval Rocket 16914:033503222.10.9091140
Alex D'OrioWilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins 11661:062812402.18.915631
Zane McIntyreLehigh Valley Phantoms 191079:455054212.33.9171133
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Calder Cup playoffs

Quick facts
2021 Calder Cup playoffs
 2020
2022 
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For the second consecutive season, there was no Calder Cup playoffs. The teams in the Pacific Division held a postseason tournament to name a division champion.[13] All seven Pacific teams participated, with the bottom four teams participating in a single-elimination play-in series to face the top seed in the division semifinal. The semifinals and finals were both best-of-three series.[35]

Pacific Division playoff

Final results:[36]

Play-in games
(May 18)
Play-in final game
(May 19)
Semifinals
(best-of-3)
Finals
(best-of-3)
            
1 Henderson Silver Knights 2
4 San Jose Barracuda 0
4 San Jose Barracuda 2
7 Tucson Roadrunners 1
4 San Jose Barracuda 5
5 Colorado Eagles 1
5 Colorado Eagles 5 (OT)
6 Ontario Reign 4
1 Henderson Silver Knights 1
2 Bakersfield Condors 2
2 Bakersfield Condors 2
3 San Diego Gulls 1

Play-in games

Note 1: All times are in Eastern Time (UTC−4).
Note 2: Game times in italics signify games to be played only if necessary.
Note 3: Home team is listed first.

(4) San Jose Barracuda vs. (7) Tucson Roadrunners

May 18 San Jose Barracuda 2 – 1 Tucson Roadrunners Great Park Ice & FivePoint Arena  
No scoring First period No scoring
11:24 - Evan Weinger (1) Second period Jan Jenik (1) - 3:01
9:18 - Jake McGrew (1) Third period No scoring
Josef Korenar (19 saves / 20 shots) Goalie stats Ivan Prosvetov (18 saves / 20 shots)

(5) Colorado Eagles vs. (6) Ontario Reign

May 18 Colorado Eagles 5 – 4 OT Ontario Reign Great Park Ice & FivePoint Arena  
1:38 - Keaton Middleton (1) First period Akil Thomas (1) - 3:22
Lias Andersson (1) - pp - 7:58
14:36 - T.J. Tynan (1)
18:57 - pp - Riley Woods (1)
Second period No scoring
11:13 - sh - Keaton Middleton (2) Third period Mikey Eyssimont (1) - sh - 3:16
Martin Frk (1) - pp - 5:05
9:00 - Justin Barron (1) First overtime period No scoring
Adam Werner (27 saves / 31 shots) Goalie stats Matt Villalta (24 saves / 29 shots)

Play-in final game

(4) San Jose Barracuda vs. (5) Colorado Eagles

May 19 San Jose Barracuda 5 – 1 Colorado Eagles Great Park Ice & FivePoint Arena  
14:10 - Maxim Letunov (1) First period No scoring
9:25 - Zach Gallant (1)
12:36 - Krystof Hrabik (1)
Second period Sampo Ranta (1) - pp - 17:47
17:20 - en - Nicolas Meloche (1)
18:58 - en - Krystof Hrabik (2)
Third period No scoring
Josef Korenar (32 saves / 33 shots) Goalie stats Justus Annunen (30 saves / 33 shots)

Semifinals

(1) Henderson Silver Knights vs. (4) San Jose Barracuda

May 21 Henderson Silver Knights 4 – 1 San Jose Barracuda Orleans Arena  
8:20 - Jack Dugan (1) First period Jayden Halbgewachs (1) - 15:02
10:19 - Pavel Dorofeyev (1) Second period No scoring
18:32 - en - Jack Dugan (2)
19:39 - en - Jack Dugan (3)
Third period No scoring
Logan Thompson (22 saves / 23 shots) Goalie stats Josef Korenar (30 saves / 32 shots)
May 22 San Jose Barracuda 2 – 4 Henderson Silver Knights Orleans Arena  
Jake McGrew (2) - 0:40 First period 12:26 - sh - Gage Quinney (1)
Maxim Letunov (2) - pp - 6:24 Second period 1:59 - Tomas Jurco (1)
4:47 - sh - Danny O'Regan (1)
9:06 - pp - Danny O’Regan (2)
No scoring Third period No scoring
Josef Korenar (24 saves / 28 shots) Goalie stats Logan Thompson (30 saves / 32 shots)
Henderson won series 2–0

(2) Bakersfield Condors vs. (3) San Diego Gulls

May 21 Bakersfield Condors 3 – 5 San Diego Gulls Mechanics Bank Arena  
No scoring First period Sam Carrick (1) - pp - 15:24
No scoring Second period Sam Carrick (2) - pp - 3:10
Vinni Lettieri (1) - pp - 18:43
9:34 - pp - Brad Malone (1)
10:26 - pp - Seth Griffith (1)
17:29 - Tyler Benson (1)
Third period Andrew Agozzino (1) - 14:58
Trevor Zegras (1) - en - 19:56
Stuart Skinner (26 saves / 30 shots) Goalie stats Lukas Dostal (39 saves / 42 shots)
May 23 San Diego Gulls 2 – 3 OT Bakersfield Condors Mechanics Bank Arena  
Benoit-Olivier Groulx (1) - 8:21 First period 11:39 - Cooper Marody (1)
15:07 - Trevor Carrick (1)
No scoring Second period No scoring
No scoring Third period 12:40 - Luke Esposito (1)
No scoring First overtime period 0:49 - Seth Griffith (2)
Lukas Dostal (34 saves / 37 shots) Goalie stats Stuart Skinner (31 saves / 33 shots)
May 22 Bakersfield Condors 2 – 1 OT San Diego Gulls Mechanics Bank Arena  
No scoring First period 7:42 - Andrew Agozzino (2)
Adam Cracknell (1) - 12:18 Second period No scoring
No scoring Third period No scoring
Brad Malone (2) - 7:36 First overtime period No scoring
Stuart Skinner (20 saves / 21 shots) Goalie stats Lukas Dostal (43 saves / 45 shots)
Bakersfield won series 2–1

Finals

(1) Henderson Silver Knights vs. (2) Bakersfield Condors

May 26 Henderson Silver Knights 2 – 3 OT Bakersfield Condors T-Mobile Arena  
No scoring First period Adam Cracknell (2) - 9:23
No scoring Second period No scoring
6:54 - Ben Jones (1)
13:12 - Pavel Dorofeyev (2)
Third period Seth Griffith (3) - 8:17
No scoring First overtime period Adam Cracknell (3) - 11:21
Logan Thompson (35 saves / 38 shots) Goalie stats Stuart Skinner (25 saves / 27 shots)
May 27 Bakersfield Condors 3 – 6 Henderson Silver Knights T-Mobile Arena  
No scoring First period 7:50 - Dylan Sikura (1)
10:19 - Jonas Rondbjerg (1)
15:57 - Dylan Sikura (2)
19:24 - sh - Jonas Rondbjerg (2)
Raphael Lavoie (1) - 12:45 Second period 14:56 - Maxim Marushev (1)
15:36 - Ostap Safin (1)
Tyler Benson (2) - pp - 17:43 Third period 19:08 - pp - en - Danny O'Regan (3)
Stuart Skinner (11 saves / 15 shots)
Olivier Rodrigue (13 saves / 14 shots)
Goalie stats Logan Thompson (21 saves / 24 shots)
May 29 Henderson Silver Knights 2 – 3 Bakersfield Condors T-Mobile Arena  
No scoring First period No scoring
Dylan Sikura (3) - 3:37 Second period 12:31 - Jakob Stukel (1)
15:09 - Phil Kemp (1)
Kaedan Korczak (1) - 5:40 Third period 8:51 - Tyler Benson (3)
Logan Thompson (29 saves / 32 shots) Goalie stats Stuart Skinner (33 saves / 35 shots)
Bakersfield won series 2–1

AHL awards

More information Award, Winner ...
AwardWinner
Calder Cup Not awarded[13]
Les Cunningham Award T. J. Tynan, Colorado Eagles[37]
John B. Sollenberger Trophy Andrew Poturalski, San Diego Gulls[38]
Willie Marshall Award Cooper Marody, Bakersfield Condors[38]
Dudley "Red" Garrett Memorial Award Riley Damiani, Texas Stars[39]
Eddie Shore Award Ryan Murphy, Henderson Silver Knights[40]
Aldege "Baz" Bastien Memorial Award Logan Thompson, Henderson Silver Knights[41]
Harry "Hap" Holmes Memorial Award Pheonix Copley and Zachary Fucale, Hershey Bears[42]
Louis A. R. Pieri Memorial Award Spencer Carbery, Hershey Bears[43]
Fred T. Hunt Memorial Award Cal O'Reilly, Lehigh Valley Phantoms[44]
Yanick Dupre Memorial Award All 31 teams' athletic trainers[45]
Jack A. Butterfield Trophy Not awarded[13]
Richard F. Canning Trophy Not awarded[13]
Robert W. Clarke Trophy Not awarded[13]
Macgregor Kilpatrick TrophyHershey Bears[46]
Frank Mathers Trophy
(Canadian Division regular season champion)[13]
Laval Rocket[47]
Emile Francis Trophy
(Atlantic Division regular season champion)[13]
Providence Bruins
F. G. "Teddy" Oke Trophy
(North Division regular season champion)[13]
Hershey Bears
Sam Pollock Trophy
(Central Division regular season champion)[13]
Chicago Wolves
John D. Chick Trophy
(Pacific Division tournament champion)[13]
Bakersfield Condors
Norman R. "Bud" Poile TrophyNot awarded[13]
James C. Hendy Memorial AwardMelissa Caruso, AHL[48]
Thomas Ebright Memorial AwardJon Gustafson, San Jose Barracuda[48]
James H. Ellery Memorial AwardsTony Brown, Cleveland Monsters
Ken McKenzie AwardZack Fisch, Hershey Bears[49]
Michael Condon Memorial AwardTim Mayer[48]
President's Awards
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All-star teams

Instead of the traditional first and second all-star teams, the league named an all-star team for each division in addition to the annual all-rookie team.[50][51]

Atlantic Division

Canadian Division

Central Division

North Division

Pacific Division

All-rookie

See also

References

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