1970–71 AHL season
Encyclopedia
The 1970–71 AHL season
was the 35th season of the American Hockey League
. Eight teams played 72 games each in the schedule. The Baltimore Clippers
finished first overall in the regular season. The Springfield Kings won their first Calder Cup
championship, since being renamed from the Indians
.
†The Springfield Kings defeated the Quebec Aces
by a score of 4-3 in overtime in a one game playoff to determine the last playoff spot in the East Division.
First round
Second round
Finals
Individual awards
Other awards
Season (sports)
In an organized sports league, a season is the portion of one year in which regulated games of the sport are in session. For example, in Major League Baseball, one season lasts approximately from April 1 through October 1; in Association football, it is generally from August until May In an...
was the 35th season of the American Hockey League
American Hockey League
The American Hockey League is a 30-team professional ice hockey league based in the United States and Canada that serves as the primary developmental circuit for the National Hockey League...
. Eight teams played 72 games each in the schedule. The Baltimore Clippers
Baltimore Clippers
The Baltimore Clippers were an American ice hockey team. They were the first of three Baltimore entries into the American Hockey League, who played from 1962–76...
finished first overall in the regular season. The Springfield Kings won their first Calder Cup
Calder Cup
The Calder Cup is awarded annually to the playoff champion of the American Hockey League. The trophy is the world's second oldest continuous professional ice hockey championship, having first been awarded in 1937 following the 1936-37 AHL season, and continuously being awarded every year.The cup...
championship, since being renamed from the Indians
Springfield Indians
The Springfield Indians were a minor professional ice hockey franchise, originally based in West Springfield, Massachusetts and later Springfield, Massachusetts. The Indians were founding members of the American Hockey League. They were in existence for a total of 60 seasons from 1926 to 1994, with...
.
Team changes
- The Buffalo BisonsBuffalo Bisons (AHL)The Buffalo Bisons were an American Hockey League ice hockey franchise that played from 1940 to 1970 in Buffalo, New York. They replaced the original Buffalo Bisons hockey team, which left the area in 1936 after its arena collapsed...
cease operations, when the Buffalo SabresBuffalo SabresThe Buffalo Sabres are a professional ice hockey team based in Buffalo, New York. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League .-Founding and early success: 1970-71—1980-81:...
join the National Hockey LeagueNational Hockey LeagueThe National Hockey League is an unincorporated not-for-profit association which operates a major professional ice hockey league of 30 franchised member clubs, of which 7 are currently located in Canada and 23 in the United States...
as an expansion team.
Final standings
Note: GP = Games played; W = Wins; L = Losses; T = Ties; GF = Goals for; GA = Goals against; Pts = Points;| East | GP | W | L | T | Pts | GF | GA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Providence Reds Providence Reds The Providence Reds were a hockey team that played in the Canadian-American Hockey League between 1926–1936 and the American Hockey League from 1936 to 1977, the last season of which they played as the Rhode Island Reds. The team won the Calder Cup in 1938, 1940, 1949, and 1956... |
72 | 28 | 31 | 13 | 69 | 257 | 270 |
| Montreal Voyageurs | 72 | 27 | 31 | 14 | 68 | 215 | 239 |
| Springfield Kings† | 72 | 29 | 35 | 8 | 66 | 244 | 281 |
| Quebec Aces Quebec Aces The Quebec Aces, also known in French as Les As de Québec, were an amateur and later a professional men's ice hockey team from Quebec City, Quebec. The Aces were founded in 1928, and played until 1971. The team played home games at the Quebec Coliseum from 1930 to 1971.The Aces were Allan Cup... † |
72 | 25 | 31 | 16 | 66 | 211 | 240 |
| West | GP | W | L | T | Pts | GF | GA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore Clippers Baltimore Clippers The Baltimore Clippers were an American ice hockey team. They were the first of three Baltimore entries into the American Hockey League, who played from 1962–76... |
72 | 40 | 23 | 9 | 89 | 263 | 224 |
| Cleveland Barons | 72 | 39 | 26 | 7 | 85 | 272 | 208 |
| Hershey Bears Hershey Bears The Hershey Bears Hockey Club is a professional ice hockey team playing in the American Hockey League, and is currently the top affiliate of the NHL Washington Capitals. The hockey club is based in the unincorporated town of Hershey, Pennsylvania, located within Derry Township some 14 miles east of... |
72 | 31 | 31 | 10 | 72 | 238 | 212 |
| Rochester Americans Rochester Americans The Rochester Americans are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League, and a top affiliate of the Buffalo Sabres. The team plays its home games in Rochester, New York, at the Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial... |
72 | 25 | 36 | 11 | 61 | 222 | 248 |
†The Springfield Kings defeated the Quebec Aces
Quebec Aces
The Quebec Aces, also known in French as Les As de Québec, were an amateur and later a professional men's ice hockey team from Quebec City, Quebec. The Aces were founded in 1928, and played until 1971. The team played home games at the Quebec Coliseum from 1930 to 1971.The Aces were Allan Cup...
by a score of 4-3 in overtime in a one game playoff to determine the last playoff spot in the East Division.
Scoring leaders
Note: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; PIM = Penalty minutes| Player | Team | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fred Speck Fred Speck Frederick Edmondstone Speck was a Canadian professional ice hockey player. A centre, Speck had a brief major league career, playing in only 28 NHL and 111 WHA games... |
Baltimore Clippers Baltimore Clippers The Baltimore Clippers were an American ice hockey team. They were the first of three Baltimore entries into the American Hockey League, who played from 1962–76... |
72 | 31 | 61 | 92 | 40 |
| Marc Dufour Marc Dufour Marc Dufour is a Canadian ice hockey player. He played for the Springfield Kings, the Los Angeles Kings, the Vancouver Canucks, the St. Paul Rangers, the New York Rangers, the Los Angeles Blades, and the Baltimore Clippers.... |
Baltimore Clippers Baltimore Clippers The Baltimore Clippers were an American ice hockey team. They were the first of three Baltimore entries into the American Hockey League, who played from 1962–76... |
69 | 31 | 51 | 82 | 15 |
| Norm Beaudin Norm Beaudin Norman Joseph Andrew Beaudin is a retired professional ice hockey forward who played 25 games in the National Hockey League and 335 in the World Hockey Association, most notably for the Winnipeg Jets. He also played for the Minnesota North Stars and St. Louis Blues... |
Cleveland Barons | 59 | 27 | 48 | 75 | 39 |
| Wayne Rivers Wayne Rivers Wayne Rivers is a retired professional ice hockey player who played 108 games in the National Hockey League and 357 games in the World Hockey Association. He would play with the St... |
Baltimore Clippers Baltimore Clippers The Baltimore Clippers were an American ice hockey team. They were the first of three Baltimore entries into the American Hockey League, who played from 1962–76... |
65 | 38 | 37 | 75 | 66 |
| Joey Johnston Joey Johnston Joseph John Johnston is a retired a Canadian ice hockey forward.Johnston started his National Hockey League career with the Minnesota North Stars in 1968, but spent most of his time in the minors until 1971, when he became a front-liner for the California Golden Seals... |
Cleveland Barons | 72 | 27 | 47 | 74 | 142 |
| Joe Szura Joe Szura Joseph Boleslaw Szura was a Canadian professional ice hockey forward who played 90 games in the National Hockey League for the California Golden Seals. He was born in Fort William, Ontario. He would also play 115 games in the World Hockey Association for the Los Angeles Sharks and Houston... |
Providence Reds Providence Reds The Providence Reds were a hockey team that played in the Canadian-American Hockey League between 1926–1936 and the American Hockey League from 1936 to 1977, the last season of which they played as the Rhode Island Reds. The team won the Calder Cup in 1938, 1940, 1949, and 1956... |
70 | 21 | 53 | 74 | 39 |
| Bob Leiter Bob Leiter Robert Edward "Bobby" Leiter is a retired professional ice hockey player, most notably for the Atlanta Flames of the National Hockey League.-Playing career:... |
Hershey Bears Hershey Bears The Hershey Bears Hockey Club is a professional ice hockey team playing in the American Hockey League, and is currently the top affiliate of the NHL Washington Capitals. The hockey club is based in the unincorporated town of Hershey, Pennsylvania, located within Derry Township some 14 miles east of... |
72 | 33 | 36 | 69 | 26 |
| Don Blackburn Don Blackburn John Donald Blackburn is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey left winger who played in the National Hockey League with the Boston Bruins, Philadelphia Flyers, New York Rangers, New York Islanders and Minnesota North Stars. He also played in the World Hockey Association with the New... |
Rochester Americans Rochester Americans The Rochester Americans are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League, and a top affiliate of the Buffalo Sabres. The team plays its home games in Rochester, New York, at the Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial... |
62 | 25 | 44 | 69 | 22 |
| Doug Volmar Doug Volmar Doug Steven Volmar is a retired American ice hockey forward who appeared in a total of 62 National Hockey League regular season games with the Detroit Red Wings and Los Angeles Kings in 1970–73... |
Springfield Kings | 69 | 42 | 26 | 68 | 52 |
Calder Cup playoffs
Tiebreaker- Springfield Kings defeated Quebec AcesQuebec AcesThe Quebec Aces, also known in French as Les As de Québec, were an amateur and later a professional men's ice hockey team from Quebec City, Quebec. The Aces were founded in 1928, and played until 1971. The team played home games at the Quebec Coliseum from 1930 to 1971.The Aces were Allan Cup...
4-3 in overtime.
First round
- Providence RedsProvidence RedsThe Providence Reds were a hockey team that played in the Canadian-American Hockey League between 1926–1936 and the American Hockey League from 1936 to 1977, the last season of which they played as the Rhode Island Reds. The team won the Calder Cup in 1938, 1940, 1949, and 1956...
defeated Baltimore ClippersBaltimore ClippersThe Baltimore Clippers were an American ice hockey team. They were the first of three Baltimore entries into the American Hockey League, who played from 1962–76...
4 games to 2. - Springfield Kings defeated Montreal Voyageurs 3 games to 0.
- Cleveland Barons defeated Hershey BearsHershey BearsThe Hershey Bears Hockey Club is a professional ice hockey team playing in the American Hockey League, and is currently the top affiliate of the NHL Washington Capitals. The hockey club is based in the unincorporated town of Hershey, Pennsylvania, located within Derry Township some 14 miles east of...
3 games to 1.
Second round
- Providence RedsProvidence RedsThe Providence Reds were a hockey team that played in the Canadian-American Hockey League between 1926–1936 and the American Hockey League from 1936 to 1977, the last season of which they played as the Rhode Island Reds. The team won the Calder Cup in 1938, 1940, 1949, and 1956...
earned second round bye. - Springfield Kings defeated Cleveland Barons 3 games to 1.
Finals
- Springfield Kings defeated Providence RedsProvidence RedsThe Providence Reds were a hockey team that played in the Canadian-American Hockey League between 1926–1936 and the American Hockey League from 1936 to 1977, the last season of which they played as the Rhode Island Reds. The team won the Calder Cup in 1938, 1940, 1949, and 1956...
4 games to 0, to win the Calder Cup.
Trophy and award winners
Team awards| Calder Cup Calder Cup The Calder Cup is awarded annually to the playoff champion of the American Hockey League. The trophy is the world's second oldest continuous professional ice hockey championship, having first been awarded in 1937 following the 1936-37 AHL season, and continuously being awarded every year.The cup... Playoff champions: |
Springfield Kings |
| F. G. "Teddy" Oke Trophy Regular Season champions, East Division: |
Providence Reds Providence Reds The Providence Reds were a hockey team that played in the Canadian-American Hockey League between 1926–1936 and the American Hockey League from 1936 to 1977, the last season of which they played as the Rhode Island Reds. The team won the Calder Cup in 1938, 1940, 1949, and 1956... |
| John D. Chick Trophy John D. Chick Trophy The John D. Chick Trophy is presented annually to the AHL's team that has the best record in the West Division.The award is named after John Chick, who served as vice president and treasurer of the American Hockey League.... Regular Season champions, West Division: |
Baltimore Clippers Baltimore Clippers The Baltimore Clippers were an American ice hockey team. They were the first of three Baltimore entries into the American Hockey League, who played from 1962–76... |
Individual awards
| Les Cunningham Award Les Cunningham Award The Les Cunningham Award is given annually to American Hockey League's "Most Valuable Player" of the regular season, as voted on by AHL media and players.... Most valuable player: |
Fred Speck Fred Speck Frederick Edmondstone Speck was a Canadian professional ice hockey player. A centre, Speck had a brief major league career, playing in only 28 NHL and 111 WHA games... - Baltimore Clippers Baltimore Clippers The Baltimore Clippers were an American ice hockey team. They were the first of three Baltimore entries into the American Hockey League, who played from 1962–76... |
| John B. Sollenberger Trophy John B. Sollenberger Trophy The John B. Sollenberger Trophy is given to American Hockey League's leading scorer for the season.The award was named for John B. Sollenberger in 1955. Sollenberger was a long-time contributor to the league as manager and president of the Hershey Bears and former Chairman of the Board of Governors... Top point scorer: |
Fred Speck Fred Speck Frederick Edmondstone Speck was a Canadian professional ice hockey player. A centre, Speck had a brief major league career, playing in only 28 NHL and 111 WHA games... - Baltimore Clippers Baltimore Clippers The Baltimore Clippers were an American ice hockey team. They were the first of three Baltimore entries into the American Hockey League, who played from 1962–76... |
| Dudley "Red" Garrett Memorial Award Rookie of the year: |
Fred Speck Fred Speck Frederick Edmondstone Speck was a Canadian professional ice hockey player. A centre, Speck had a brief major league career, playing in only 28 NHL and 111 WHA games... - Baltimore Clippers Baltimore Clippers The Baltimore Clippers were an American ice hockey team. They were the first of three Baltimore entries into the American Hockey League, who played from 1962–76... |
| Eddie Shore Award Eddie Shore Award The Eddie Shore Award is presented annually to the AHL's best defenceman. The award winner is chosen by AHL media and players. The award is named after Hockey Hall of Fame inductee Eddie Shore.-Winners:-Other Eddie Shore Award:... Defenceman of the year: |
Marshall Johnston Marshall Johnston Lawrence "Marshall" Johnston is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey right winger who played seven seasons in the National Hockey League with the Minnesota North Stars and California Golden Seals... - Cleveland Barons |
| Harry "Hap" Holmes Memorial Award Lowest goals against average: |
Gary Kurt Gary Kurt Gary David Kurt is a retired professional ice hockey goaltender.-Playing career:Kurt played Junior hockey for the Ontario Hockey Association's Kitchener Rangers, at the time owned by the New York Rangers. Later he played two seasons for the Rangers' affiliate in the Central Hockey League, the... - Cleveland Barons |
| Louis A.R. Pieri Memorial Award Coach of the year: |
Terry Reardon Terry Reardon Terrance George Reardon was a professional ice hockey center who played 197 games in the National Hockey League. He played with the Boston Bruins and Chicago Black Hawks. Boston engraved his name on the 1939 Stanley Cup, even though he only played four regular season games with the club... - Baltimore Clippers Baltimore Clippers The Baltimore Clippers were an American ice hockey team. They were the first of three Baltimore entries into the American Hockey League, who played from 1962–76... |
Other awards
| James C. Hendy Memorial Award James C. Hendy Memorial Award The James C. Hendy Memorial Award is presented annually to an executive who has made the most outstanding contribution to the American Hockey League.... Most outstanding executive: |
Jack A. Butterfield |
| James H. Ellery Memorial Award James H. Ellery Memorial Awards The James H. Ellery Memorial Awards are presented annually to the individuals of the news media for outstanding media coverage of the American Hockey League. The awards honor the late James Ellery, former publicity director for the AHL. The first award was handed out to one individual in 1965... Outstanding media coverage: |
W.W. "Tiny" Parry, Hershey |