Around the AHL: The NHL's top developmental league fights to save its season
E
EP Rinkside
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What is next, as the American Hockey League’s attempts to save the 2020-21 season amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic? Long-time AHL President and Chief Executive Officer Dave Andrews left that post this past June after 26 seasons helming the NHL’s top developmental league, and long-time NHL executive Scott Howson replaced him. Earlier, Andrews agreed to chair the league’s Board of Governors and to assist Howson in the transition.
A mix of NHL general managers and AHL executives, the group is attempting to guide the AHL back to the ice.
AHL clubs have made efforts to maintain connections with fans and sponsors, and to nurture those relationships, but that absence of on-ice play to keep fans in the habit of buying tickets is a formidable task for even the best AHL front offices.
My belief, and it’s a strong belief, is that this is a season to develop players, and that’s it.
In addition, there is a sensitivity to not extend the AHL season past the NHL's expected July finish as well as a sense of urgency to move into full-fledging planning for 2021-22 next fall.
Landon, a former player in the NHL and AHL, leads an association that represents approximately 1,600 players throughout the AHL and ECHL.
A mix of NHL general managers and AHL executives, the group is attempting to guide the AHL back to the ice.
AHL clubs have made efforts to maintain connections with fans and sponsors, and to nurture those relationships, but that absence of on-ice play to keep fans in the habit of buying tickets is a formidable task for even the best AHL front offices.
My belief, and it’s a strong belief, is that this is a season to develop players, and that’s it.
In addition, there is a sensitivity to not extend the AHL season past the NHL's expected July finish as well as a sense of urgency to move into full-fledging planning for 2021-22 next fall.
Landon, a former player in the NHL and AHL, leads an association that represents approximately 1,600 players throughout the AHL and ECHL.