1971–72 AHL season
Encyclopedia
The 1971–72 AHL season
was the 36th season of the American Hockey League
. Major changes occurred in the off-season. The league welcomed four expansion teams, and lost both Quebec
-based teams. Eleven teams played 76 games each in the schedule. The Boston Braves
finished first overall in the regular season. The Nova Scotia Voyageurs
won their first Calder Cup
championship.
† First place tiebreaker determined by head-to-head competition during regular season.
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 36th 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...
. Major changes occurred in the off-season. The league welcomed four expansion teams, and lost both Quebec
Quebec
Quebec or is a province in east-central Canada. It is the only Canadian province with a predominantly French-speaking population and the only one whose sole official language is French at the provincial level....
-based teams. Eleven teams played 76 games each in the schedule. The Boston Braves
Boston Braves (AHL)
The Boston Braves were a professional ice hockey team in Boston, Massachusetts. They were a member of the American Hockey League from 1971 to 1974....
finished first overall in the regular season. The Nova Scotia Voyageurs
Nova Scotia Voyageurs
The Nova Scotia Voyageurs were a professional ice hockey team, based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. They played in the American Hockey League, from 1971 to 1984. The Voyageurs played their first two seasons , as the Montreal Voyageurs....
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.
Team changes
- The 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...
move to Richmond, VirginiaRichmond, VirginiaRichmond is the capital of the Commonwealth of Virginia, in the United States. It is an independent city and not part of any county. Richmond is the center of the Richmond Metropolitan Statistical Area and the Greater Richmond area...
becoming the Richmond RobinsRichmond RobinsThe Richmond Robins were a professional ice hockey team based in Richmond, Virginia. They were a member of the American Hockey League for five seasons from 1971–72 to 1975–76...
, playing in the West Division. - The Montreal Voyageurs move to Halifax, Nova ScotiaCity of HalifaxHalifax is a city in Canada, which was the capital of the province of Nova Scotia and shire town of Halifax County. It was the largest city in Atlantic Canada until it was amalgamated into Halifax Regional Municipality in 1996...
becoming the Nova Scotia VoyageursNova Scotia VoyageursThe Nova Scotia Voyageurs were a professional ice hockey team, based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. They played in the American Hockey League, from 1971 to 1984. The Voyageurs played their first two seasons , as the Montreal Voyageurs....
. - The Rochester AmericansRochester AmericansThe 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...
switch divisions from West to East. - The Boston BravesBoston Braves (AHL)The Boston Braves were a professional ice hockey team in Boston, Massachusetts. They were a member of the American Hockey League from 1971 to 1974....
join the AHL as an expansion team, based in Boston, Massachusetts, playing in the East Division. - The Cincinnati SwordsCincinnati SwordsThe Cincinnati Swords are a defunct American Hockey League team, founded in 1971, when the newly created NHL expansion team, Buffalo Sabres, exercised their option to create their own AHL farm team to replace the team they forced out of the AHL, the Buffalo Bisons...
join the AHL as an expansion team, based in Cincinnati, OhioCincinnati, OhioCincinnati is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio. Cincinnati is the county seat of Hamilton County. Settled in 1788, the city is located to north of the Ohio River at the Ohio-Kentucky border, near Indiana. The population within city limits is 296,943 according to the 2010 census, making it Ohio's...
, playing in the West Division. - The Tidewater Wings join the AHL as an expansion team, based in Norfolk, VirginiaNorfolk, VirginiaNorfolk is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia in the United States. With a population of 242,803 as of the 2010 Census, it is Virginia's second-largest city behind neighboring Virginia Beach....
, playing in the West Division.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston Braves Boston Braves (AHL) The Boston Braves were a professional ice hockey team in Boston, Massachusetts. They were a member of the American Hockey League from 1971 to 1974.... † |
76 | 41 | 21 | 14 | 96 | 260 | 191 |
| Nova Scotia Voyageurs Nova Scotia Voyageurs The Nova Scotia Voyageurs were a professional ice hockey team, based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. They played in the American Hockey League, from 1971 to 1984. The Voyageurs played their first two seasons , as the Montreal Voyageurs.... |
76 | 41 | 21 | 14 | 96 | 274 | 202 |
| Springfield Kings | 76 | 31 | 30 | 15 | 77 | 273 | 266 |
| 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... |
76 | 28 | 37 | 11 | 67 | 250 | 274 |
| 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... |
76 | 28 | 38 | 10 | 66 | 242 | 311 |
| 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... |
76 | 34 | 31 | 11 | 79 | 266 | 253 |
| 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... |
76 | 33 | 30 | 13 | 79 | 238 | 212 |
| Cincinnati Swords Cincinnati Swords The Cincinnati Swords are a defunct American Hockey League team, founded in 1971, when the newly created NHL expansion team, Buffalo Sabres, exercised their option to create their own AHL farm team to replace the team they forced out of the AHL, the Buffalo Bisons... |
76 | 30 | 28 | 18 | 78 | 252 | 258 |
| Cleveland Barons | 76 | 32 | 34 | 10 | 74 | 269 | 263 |
| Richmond Robins Richmond Robins The Richmond Robins were a professional ice hockey team based in Richmond, Virginia. They were a member of the American Hockey League for five seasons from 1971–72 to 1975–76... |
76 | 29 | 34 | 13 | 71 | 237 | 218 |
| Tidewater Wings | 76 | 22 | 45 | 9 | 53 | 197 | 275 |
† First place tiebreaker determined by head-to-head competition during regular season.
Scoring leaders
Note: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; PIM = Penalty minutes| Player | Team | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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... |
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... |
76 | 34 | 65 | 99 | 12 |
| Fred Harvey | Cleveland Barons | 73 | 41 | 54 | 95 | 72 |
| Terry Caffery Terry Caffery Terrance Michael Caffery is a retired a Canadian ice hockey forward, most notably with the New England Whalers of the World Hockey Association... |
Cleveland Barons | 65 | 29 | 59 | 88 | 18 |
| Gord Labossiere Gord Labossiere Gordon William Labossiere is a retired professional ice hockey player who played 215 games in the National Hockey League and 301 games in the World Hockey Association... |
Cleveland Barons | 66 | 40 | 45 | 85 | 71 |
| Ed Hoekstra Ed Hoekstra Edward Adrian Hoekstra was a retired professional ice hockey player. He played in the NHL with the Philadelphia Flyers and also played in the WHA with the Houston Aeros. He is the brother of Cecil Hoekstra.-External links:... |
Springfield Kings | 74 | 16 | 69 | 85 | 32 |
| Pete Laframboise Pete Laframboise Peter Alfred Laframboise was a Canadian professional ice hockey player. Laframboise played for the National Hockey League California Golden Seals, Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals in the 1970s... |
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 | 37 | 44 | 81 | 95 |
| 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... |
Springfield Kings | 68 | 48 | 33 | 81 | 67 |
| Germain Gagnon Germain Gagnon Germain Gagnon is a retired professional ice hockey player who played 259 games in the National Hockey League. He played for the Montreal Canadiens, Chicago Black Hawks, Kansas City Scouts, and New York Islanders.... |
Nova Scotia Voyageurs Nova Scotia Voyageurs The Nova Scotia Voyageurs were a professional ice hockey team, based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. They played in the American Hockey League, from 1971 to 1984. The Voyageurs played their first two seasons , as the Montreal Voyageurs.... |
70 | 25 | 56 | 81 | 34 |
| 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... |
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 | 38 | 38 | 76 | 20 |
| Doug Roberts Doug Roberts (ice hockey) Douglas William Roberts is a retired professional ice hockey player who played 419 games in the National Hockey League and 140 games in the World Hockey Association between 1966 and 1977.... |
Boston Braves Boston Braves (AHL) The Boston Braves were a professional ice hockey team in Boston, Massachusetts. They were a member of the American Hockey League from 1971 to 1974.... |
74 | 35 | 40 | 75 | 107 |
Calder Cup playoffs
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: |
Nova Scotia Voyageurs Nova Scotia Voyageurs The Nova Scotia Voyageurs were a professional ice hockey team, based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. They played in the American Hockey League, from 1971 to 1984. The Voyageurs played their first two seasons , as the Montreal Voyageurs.... |
| F. G. "Teddy" Oke Trophy Regular Season champions, East Division: |
Boston Braves Boston Braves (AHL) The Boston Braves were a professional ice hockey team in Boston, Massachusetts. They were a member of the American Hockey League from 1971 to 1974.... |
| 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: |
Garry Peters Garry Peters Garry Lorne Peters is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey centre and head coach who played in the National Hockey League for the Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers and Boston Bruins... - Boston Braves Boston Braves (AHL) The Boston Braves were a professional ice hockey team in Boston, Massachusetts. They were a member of the American Hockey League from 1971 to 1974.... |
| 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: |
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... - 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... |
| Dudley "Red" Garrett Memorial Award Rookie of the year: |
Terry Caffery Terry Caffery Terrance Michael Caffery is a retired a Canadian ice hockey forward, most notably with the New England Whalers of the World Hockey Association... - Cleveland Barons |
| 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: |
Noel Price Noel Price Garry Noel Price is a retired Canadian ice hockey defenceman.Price started his National Hockey League career with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1958. He would also play for the New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens, Los Angeles Kings, Pittsburgh Penguins and Atlanta Flames. He... - Springfield Kings / Nova Scotia Voyageurs Nova Scotia Voyageurs The Nova Scotia Voyageurs were a professional ice hockey team, based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. They played in the American Hockey League, from 1971 to 1984. The Voyageurs played their first two seasons , as the Montreal Voyageurs.... |
| Harry "Hap" Holmes Memorial Award Lowest goals against average: |
Dan Bouchard Dan Bouchard Daniel Hector "Bouch" Bouchard is a retired professional ice hockey goaltender. He played in the National Hockey League with the Atlanta Flames, Calgary Flames, Quebec Nordiques, and Winnipeg Jets.-Career:... & Ross Brooks Ross Brooks Donald Ross Brooks is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender who played three seasons with the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League... - Boston Braves Boston Braves (AHL) The Boston Braves were a professional ice hockey team in Boston, Massachusetts. They were a member of the American Hockey League from 1971 to 1974.... |
| Louis A.R. Pieri Memorial Award Coach of the year: |
Al MacNeil Al MacNeil Allister Wences MacNeil is a former National Hockey League player and coach. He was the first person from the Maritime region of Canada to be a head coach in the NHL.... - Nova Scotia Voyageurs Nova Scotia Voyageurs The Nova Scotia Voyageurs were a professional ice hockey team, based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. They played in the American Hockey League, from 1971 to 1984. The Voyageurs played their first two seasons , as the Montreal Voyageurs.... |
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: |
Robert W. Clarke |
| 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: |
Al Fischer, Baltimore |