All American Hockey Association
Encyclopedia
The All American Hockey League (AAHL) was a lower level professional
ice hockey
league with teams in the Midwestern United States
. After finishing the 2010-2011 season with only two remaining teams after starting with five, on June 16, 2011 the league announced it will suspend its operations for the 2011-2012 season on.
(higher affiliate), IHL (higher affiliate), CHL
(higher affiliate), and Greater Metro Junior A Hockey League
(lower affiliate).
and South Shore Shooters (later the Chi-Town Shooters
) of the Mid-Atlantic Hockey League
banded together with the Evansville IceMen and Motor City Gamblers (later the Detroit Dragons
) of the Midwest Hockey League
.
The Detroit Dragons
folded mid-season, with the Chicago Blaze
joining weeks later to fill the void. (The Blaze were originally going to be an expansion franchise for the 2009-10 season.)
On April 5, 2009, the Chi-Town Shooters
became the first team to win the Champions Cup
by defeating the Battle Creek Revolution
in the Best-of-5 championship series.
On April 14, 2009, the AAHA Board of Directors announced a reorganization from a Association format to a League format. This resulted in the All American Hockey Association being renamed the All American Hockey League.
, absorbing the MWHL's Madison Ice Muskies as well as key MWHL personnel. The merged leagues continued under the AAHL name.
During the season, the Madison Ice Muskies and Chicago Blaze
ceased operations due to financial problems. Also, the expansion Detroit Hitmen moved west to Muskegon, Michigan
mid-season, and were re-christened as the West Michigan Blizzard.
On April 15, 2010, the Evansville IceMen won the AAHL's Rod Davidson Cup (originally "Champions Cup" during the inaugural AAHA season) by beating the West Michigan Blizzard 4-games-to-1.
In August 2010, it was announced that the Madison Ice Muskies would be reinstated in the AAHL.
In August 2010, it was also announced that the Queen City Storm
were approved for membership in the AAHL as a expansion team.
The Chi-Town Shooters
left the league in August 2010 with plans to join a junior hockey league for the 2011-12 season.
In August 2010, the AAHL granted an expansion team to Lapeer, Michigan
. A contest decided that Lapeer's team would be named the Lapeer Loggers
.
On August 31, 2010, the Troy Bruins were officially announced as the sixth expansion team in the 2010-2011 All American Hockey League season.
In September 2010, the West Michigan Blizzard relocated to Dyer, Indiana
and was renamed the Indiana Blizzard
.
On October 27, 2010, the Madison Ice Huskies moved to Wooster, Ohio
, and became the Wooster Korn Kings
. On November 17, 2010, the Korn Kings were taken over by the league and ceased all operations.
On December 29, 2010, it was announced that the Indiana Blizzard were ceasing operations and the Chi-Town Shooters were returning for the remainder of the season, taking over all the Blizzard's players, as well as their current record. Despite keeping the "Chi-Town" monkier, they are based in Dyer, Indiana, instead of Chicago.
On January 3, 2011 the Lapeer Loggers were taken over by the league. Within days, the Bruins and Storm both ceased operations. Players from these three teams were brought together under the name Michigan Moose. The Moose, coached by AAHL commissioner Rod Davidson, are based in Battle Creek and play their home games in Revolution Arena (the same arena as the rival Battle Creek Revolution). In February 2011, the Moose ceased operation. In March 2011, the Battle Creek Revolution
won their first Rod Davidson Cup.
The past winners are:
of the Evansville IceMen became the first female goalie to register a point in a men's professional game. Because of this achievement, Kira is featured in the Hockey Hall of Fame
in Toronto, Ontario
, Canada
. Kira's game memorabilia (goalie stick and game-worn jersey) is on permanent display in the minor league section of the Hockey Hall of Fame, along with the official scoresheet from the historic game.
Professional
A professional is a person who is paid to undertake a specialised set of tasks and to complete them for a fee. The traditional professions were doctors, lawyers, clergymen, and commissioned military officers. Today, the term is applied to estate agents, surveyors , environmental scientists,...
ice hockey
Ice hockey
Ice hockey, often referred to as hockey, is a team sport played on ice, in which skaters use wooden or composite sticks to shoot a hard rubber puck into their opponent's net. The game is played between two teams of six players each. Five members of each team skate up and down the ice trying to take...
league with teams in the Midwestern United States
Midwestern United States
The Midwestern United States is one of the four U.S. geographic regions defined by the United States Census Bureau, providing an official definition of the American Midwest....
. After finishing the 2010-2011 season with only two remaining teams after starting with five, on June 16, 2011 the league announced it will suspend its operations for the 2011-2012 season on.
Affiliations
Over the course of the league's history, various All American Hockey League teams have had affiliations with the ECHLECHL
The ECHL is a mid-level professional ice hockey league based in Princeton, New Jersey with teams scattered across the United States...
(higher affiliate), IHL (higher affiliate), CHL
Central Hockey League
The Central Hockey League is a mid-level professional hockey league, owned by Global Entertainment Corporation. Its current champions are the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs, which defeated the Colorado Eagles four games to three in the 2011 playoffs....
(higher affiliate), and Greater Metro Junior A Hockey League
Greater Metro Junior A Hockey League
The Greater Metro Junior A Hockey League is a Canadian Developmental Junior "A" ice hockey league. The GMHL is not affiliated with the Canadian Junior Hockey League or a member by Hockey Canada...
(lower affiliate).
Inaugural Season (2008–2009)
The All American Hockey League was formed in 2008 as the All American Hockey Association when the Battle Creek RevolutionBattle Creek Revolution
The Battle Creek Revolution are a professional ice hockey team which plays in the All American Hockey League. The team plays its home games at Revolution Arena in Battle Creek, Michigan.-2010-2011 Roster:-Regular season:-External links:***...
and South Shore Shooters (later the Chi-Town Shooters
Chi-Town Shooters
The Chi-Town Shooters are a professional ice hockey team that play in the All American Hockey League. The team plays its home games at the Midwest Training & Ice Center in Dyer, Indiana...
) of the Mid-Atlantic Hockey League
Mid-Atlantic Hockey League
The Mid-Atlantic Hockey League was a minor professional ice hockey league in the Mid-Atlantic and Great Lakes regions of the United States. The league began play in November 2007...
banded together with the Evansville IceMen and Motor City Gamblers (later the Detroit Dragons
Detroit Dragons
The Detroit Dragons were a professional hockey team based in Fraser, Michigan. The team was part of the All American Hockey League and started their inaugural season in November 2008...
) of the Midwest Hockey League
Midwest Hockey League
The Midwest Hockey League was a short-lived proposed low level minor pro hockey league that was scheduled to begin play in the 2009-2010 season...
.
The Detroit Dragons
Detroit Dragons
The Detroit Dragons were a professional hockey team based in Fraser, Michigan. The team was part of the All American Hockey League and started their inaugural season in November 2008...
folded mid-season, with the Chicago Blaze
Chicago Blaze
The Chicago Blaze were a women's professional basketball team in the National Women's Basketball League . Based in Chicago, Illinois, they played from 2002 to 2005....
joining weeks later to fill the void. (The Blaze were originally going to be an expansion franchise for the 2009-10 season.)
On April 5, 2009, the Chi-Town Shooters
Chi-Town Shooters
The Chi-Town Shooters are a professional ice hockey team that play in the All American Hockey League. The team plays its home games at the Midwest Training & Ice Center in Dyer, Indiana...
became the first team to win the Champions Cup
Champions Cup (ice hockey)
The Rod Davidson Cup is the name of the trophy for the post-season champion of the All American Hockey League. The cup is named in honor of Rod Davidson, who had been an instrumental part of the All American Hockey League through coaching, management, and currently as the commissioner.The past...
by defeating the Battle Creek Revolution
Battle Creek Revolution
The Battle Creek Revolution are a professional ice hockey team which plays in the All American Hockey League. The team plays its home games at Revolution Arena in Battle Creek, Michigan.-2010-2011 Roster:-Regular season:-External links:***...
in the Best-of-5 championship series.
On April 14, 2009, the AAHA Board of Directors announced a reorganization from a Association format to a League format. This resulted in the All American Hockey Association being renamed the All American Hockey League.
Second Season (2009–2010)
On August 10, 2009, the AAHL announced a merger with the still-unlaunched Midwest Hockey LeagueMidwest Hockey League
The Midwest Hockey League was a short-lived proposed low level minor pro hockey league that was scheduled to begin play in the 2009-2010 season...
, absorbing the MWHL's Madison Ice Muskies as well as key MWHL personnel. The merged leagues continued under the AAHL name.
During the season, the Madison Ice Muskies and Chicago Blaze
Chicago Blaze
The Chicago Blaze were a women's professional basketball team in the National Women's Basketball League . Based in Chicago, Illinois, they played from 2002 to 2005....
ceased operations due to financial problems. Also, the expansion Detroit Hitmen moved west to Muskegon, Michigan
Muskegon, Michigan
Muskegon is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 38,401. The city is the county seat of Muskegon County...
mid-season, and were re-christened as the West Michigan Blizzard.
On April 15, 2010, the Evansville IceMen won the AAHL's Rod Davidson Cup (originally "Champions Cup" during the inaugural AAHA season) by beating the West Michigan Blizzard 4-games-to-1.
Third Season (2010–2011)
In June 2010 the IceMen suspended operation.In August 2010, it was announced that the Madison Ice Muskies would be reinstated in the AAHL.
In August 2010, it was also announced that the Queen City Storm
Queen City Storm
The Queen City Storm are a professional hockey team based in Fairfield, Ohio. The Storm are members of the All American Hockey League and play their home games at Cincinnati Sports Zone in Fairfield, OH.-Team history:...
were approved for membership in the AAHL as a expansion team.
The Chi-Town Shooters
Chi-Town Shooters
The Chi-Town Shooters are a professional ice hockey team that play in the All American Hockey League. The team plays its home games at the Midwest Training & Ice Center in Dyer, Indiana...
left the league in August 2010 with plans to join a junior hockey league for the 2011-12 season.
In August 2010, the AAHL granted an expansion team to Lapeer, Michigan
Lapeer, Michigan
Lapeer is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan and is the county seat of Lapeer County. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 8,841. Most of the city was incorporated from land that was formerly in Lapeer Township, though portions were also annexed from Mayfield Township and Elba...
. A contest decided that Lapeer's team would be named the Lapeer Loggers
Lapeer Loggers
The Lapeer Loggers were a professional hockey team based in Lapeer, Michigan. The Loggers were a member of the All American Hockey League and play their home games at Polar Palace Arena in Lapeer, MI.-Affiliates:...
.
On August 31, 2010, the Troy Bruins were officially announced as the sixth expansion team in the 2010-2011 All American Hockey League season.
In September 2010, the West Michigan Blizzard relocated to Dyer, Indiana
Dyer, Indiana
As of the census of 2010, there were 16,390 people residing in the town. The population density was 2,731.67 people per square mile . There were 6,125 housing units at an average density of 1,020.83 per square mile...
and was renamed the Indiana Blizzard
Indiana Blizzard
The Indiana Blizzard were a professional ice hockey team based in Dyer, Indiana. The team was a member of the All American Hockey League and began its inaugural season in October 2009 as the Detroit Hitmen...
.
On October 27, 2010, the Madison Ice Huskies moved to Wooster, Ohio
Wooster, Ohio
Wooster is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Wayne County. The municipality is located in northeastern Ohio approximately SSW of Cleveland and SW of Akron. Wooster is noted as the location of The College of Wooster...
, and became the Wooster Korn Kings
Wooster Korn Kings
The Wooster Korn Kings were a professional hockey team based in Wooster, Ohio. The Korn Kings were a member of the All American Hockey League and played their home games at Alice Noble Ice Arena in Wooster, OH...
. On November 17, 2010, the Korn Kings were taken over by the league and ceased all operations.
On December 29, 2010, it was announced that the Indiana Blizzard were ceasing operations and the Chi-Town Shooters were returning for the remainder of the season, taking over all the Blizzard's players, as well as their current record. Despite keeping the "Chi-Town" monkier, they are based in Dyer, Indiana, instead of Chicago.
On January 3, 2011 the Lapeer Loggers were taken over by the league. Within days, the Bruins and Storm both ceased operations. Players from these three teams were brought together under the name Michigan Moose. The Moose, coached by AAHL commissioner Rod Davidson, are based in Battle Creek and play their home games in Revolution Arena (the same arena as the rival Battle Creek Revolution). In February 2011, the Moose ceased operation. In March 2011, the Battle Creek Revolution
Battle Creek Revolution
The Battle Creek Revolution are a professional ice hockey team which plays in the All American Hockey League. The team plays its home games at Revolution Arena in Battle Creek, Michigan.-2010-2011 Roster:-Regular season:-External links:***...
won their first Rod Davidson Cup.
Teams Year-by-Year
| Year | Teams | Expansion | Defunct | Suspended | Return from Hiatus | Relocated | Name Changes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008-09 2008–09 AAHA season -Regular season:-Playoffs :- External Links :* on hockeydb.com... |
5 | Battle Creek Revolution Battle Creek Revolution The Battle Creek Revolution are a professional ice hockey team which plays in the All American Hockey League. The team plays its home games at Revolution Arena in Battle Creek, Michigan.-2010-2011 Roster:-Regular season:-External links:***... , Chicago Blaze Chicago Blaze (ice hockey) The Chicago Blaze was a professional hockey team based in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. The team was part of the All American Hockey League and began playing in the 2008-2009 AAHL season. The Blaze played their home games at West Meadows Ice Arena in Rolling Meadows, Illinois... , Chi-Town Shooters Chi-Town Shooters The Chi-Town Shooters are a professional ice hockey team that play in the All American Hockey League. The team plays its home games at the Midwest Training & Ice Center in Dyer, Indiana... , Evansville IceMen, Detroit Dragons Detroit Dragons The Detroit Dragons were a professional hockey team based in Fraser, Michigan. The team was part of the All American Hockey League and started their inaugural season in November 2008... |
Detroit Dragons Detroit Dragons The Detroit Dragons were a professional hockey team based in Fraser, Michigan. The team was part of the All American Hockey League and started their inaugural season in November 2008... |
Motor City Gamblers → Detroit Dragons Detroit Dragons The Detroit Dragons were a professional hockey team based in Fraser, Michigan. The team was part of the All American Hockey League and started their inaugural season in November 2008... South Shore Shooters → Chi-Town Shooters Chi-Town Shooters The Chi-Town Shooters are a professional ice hockey team that play in the All American Hockey League. The team plays its home games at the Midwest Training & Ice Center in Dyer, Indiana... |
|||
| 2009-10 2009–10 AAHL season -Regular season:-Playoffs :- External Links :* on hockeydb.com... |
6 | Detroit Hitmen, Madison Ice Muskies |
Chicago Blaze Chicago Blaze (ice hockey) The Chicago Blaze was a professional hockey team based in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. The team was part of the All American Hockey League and began playing in the 2008-2009 AAHL season. The Blaze played their home games at West Meadows Ice Arena in Rolling Meadows, Illinois... , Madison Ice Muskies |
Detroit Hitmen → Norton Shores, Michigan Norton Shores, Michigan Norton Shores is a city in Muskegon County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 22,527 at the 2000 census.-Overview:Norton Shores is located on the shores of Lake Michigan in Muskegon County... |
Detroit Hitmen → West Michigan Blizzard | ||
| 2010-11 2010–11 AAHL season -Regular season:- Final :- External links :* on hockeydb.com... |
6 | Queen City Storm Queen City Storm The Queen City Storm are a professional hockey team based in Fairfield, Ohio. The Storm are members of the All American Hockey League and play their home games at Cincinnati Sports Zone in Fairfield, OH.-Team history:... , Lapeer Loggers Lapeer Loggers The Lapeer Loggers were a professional hockey team based in Lapeer, Michigan. The Loggers were a member of the All American Hockey League and play their home games at Polar Palace Arena in Lapeer, MI.-Affiliates:... , Troy Bruins |
Evansville IceMen, Chi-Town Shooters Chi-Town Shooters The Chi-Town Shooters are a professional ice hockey team that play in the All American Hockey League. The team plays its home games at the Midwest Training & Ice Center in Dyer, Indiana... , Wooster Korn Kings Wooster Korn Kings The Wooster Korn Kings were a professional hockey team based in Wooster, Ohio. The Korn Kings were a member of the All American Hockey League and played their home games at Alice Noble Ice Arena in Wooster, OH... , Indiana Blizzard Indiana Blizzard The Indiana Blizzard were a professional ice hockey team based in Dyer, Indiana. The team was a member of the All American Hockey League and began its inaugural season in October 2009 as the Detroit Hitmen... , Queen City Storm Queen City Storm The Queen City Storm are a professional hockey team based in Fairfield, Ohio. The Storm are members of the All American Hockey League and play their home games at Cincinnati Sports Zone in Fairfield, OH.-Team history:... , Troy Bruins, Madison Ice Muskies, Michigan Moose Michigan Moose The Michigan Moose were a professional ice hockey team which played in the All American Hockey League. The team played its home games at Revolution Arena in Battle Creek, Michigan.-External links:**... |
Madison Ice Muskies, Chi-Town Shooters Chi-Town Shooters The Chi-Town Shooters are a professional ice hockey team that play in the All American Hockey League. The team plays its home games at the Midwest Training & Ice Center in Dyer, Indiana... |
West Michigan Blizzard → Dyer, Indiana Dyer, Indiana As of the census of 2010, there were 16,390 people residing in the town. The population density was 2,731.67 people per square mile . There were 6,125 housing units at an average density of 1,020.83 per square mile... Madison Ice Muskies → Wooster, Ohio Wooster, Ohio Wooster is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Wayne County. The municipality is located in northeastern Ohio approximately SSW of Cleveland and SW of Akron. Wooster is noted as the location of The College of Wooster... Indiana Blizzard Indiana Blizzard The Indiana Blizzard were a professional ice hockey team based in Dyer, Indiana. The team was a member of the All American Hockey League and began its inaugural season in October 2009 as the Detroit Hitmen... → Chicago, IL Lapeer Loggers Lapeer Loggers The Lapeer Loggers were a professional hockey team based in Lapeer, Michigan. The Loggers were a member of the All American Hockey League and play their home games at Polar Palace Arena in Lapeer, MI.-Affiliates:... → Battle Creek, MI |
West Michigan Blizzard → Indiana Blizzard Indiana Blizzard The Indiana Blizzard were a professional ice hockey team based in Dyer, Indiana. The team was a member of the All American Hockey League and began its inaugural season in October 2009 as the Detroit Hitmen... Madison Ice Muskies → Wooster Korn Kings Wooster Korn Kings The Wooster Korn Kings were a professional hockey team based in Wooster, Ohio. The Korn Kings were a member of the All American Hockey League and played their home games at Alice Noble Ice Arena in Wooster, OH... Indiana Blizzard Indiana Blizzard The Indiana Blizzard were a professional ice hockey team based in Dyer, Indiana. The team was a member of the All American Hockey League and began its inaugural season in October 2009 as the Detroit Hitmen... → Chi-Town Shooters Chi-Town Shooters The Chi-Town Shooters are a professional ice hockey team that play in the All American Hockey League. The team plays its home games at the Midwest Training & Ice Center in Dyer, Indiana... Lapeer Loggers Lapeer Loggers The Lapeer Loggers were a professional hockey team based in Lapeer, Michigan. The Loggers were a member of the All American Hockey League and play their home games at Polar Palace Arena in Lapeer, MI.-Affiliates:... → Michigan Moose Michigan Moose The Michigan Moose were a professional ice hockey team which played in the All American Hockey League. The team played its home games at Revolution Arena in Battle Creek, Michigan.-External links:**... |
Rod Davidson Cup
The Rod Davidson Cup is awarded to the annual playoff champion. It was known as the "Champions Cup" during the inaugural AAHA season, with the name change coming during the league's first season operating as the AAHL.The past winners are:
- 2009 - Chi-Town ShootersChi-Town ShootersThe Chi-Town Shooters are a professional ice hockey team that play in the All American Hockey League. The team plays its home games at the Midwest Training & Ice Center in Dyer, Indiana...
- 2010 - Evansville IceMen
- 2011 - Battle Creek RevolutionBattle Creek RevolutionThe Battle Creek Revolution are a professional ice hockey team which plays in the All American Hockey League. The team plays its home games at Revolution Arena in Battle Creek, Michigan.-2010-2011 Roster:-Regular season:-External links:***...
Hockey Hall of Fame
On February 14, 2009, Kira HurleyKira Hurley
Kira Hurley is a Canadian professional ice hockey player for the New Jersey Spartans Professional Touring Team. Hurley was born in Toronto, Ontario...
of the Evansville IceMen became the first female goalie to register a point in a men's professional game. Because of this achievement, Kira is featured in the Hockey Hall of Fame
Hockey Hall of Fame
The Hockey Hall of Fame is located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Dedicated to the history of ice hockey, it is both a museum and a hall of fame. It holds exhibits about players, teams, National Hockey League records, memorabilia and NHL trophies, including the Stanley Cup...
in Toronto, Ontario
Ontario
Ontario is a province of Canada, located in east-central Canada. It is Canada's most populous province and second largest in total area. It is home to the nation's most populous city, Toronto, and the nation's capital, Ottawa....
, Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
. Kira's game memorabilia (goalie stick and game-worn jersey) is on permanent display in the minor league section of the Hockey Hall of Fame, along with the official scoresheet from the historic game.
Individual trophies and awards
| Award | Description | 2009/2010 holder |
|---|---|---|
| Coach of the Year | Awarded to the league's best coach | Bob Clouston Battle Creek Revolution Battle Creek Revolution The Battle Creek Revolution are a professional ice hockey team which plays in the All American Hockey League. The team plays its home games at Revolution Arena in Battle Creek, Michigan.-2010-2011 Roster:-Regular season:-External links:***... |
| Executive of the Year | Awarded to the league's best executive | Bill and Sandy Vitale West Michigan Blizzard |
| Officiating Staff Member of the Year | Awarded to the league's best Officiating Staff Member | Ryan Harrison |
| Equipment Manager of the Year | Awarded to the league's best Equipment Manager | Jeremy Holloway West Michigan Blizzard |
| League MVP | Awarded to the league's Most Valuable Player | Cameron Sault West Michigan Blizzard |
| Defensive Player of the Year | Awarded to the league's best defensive player | Rob Schweyer Battle Creek Revolution Battle Creek Revolution The Battle Creek Revolution are a professional ice hockey team which plays in the All American Hockey League. The team plays its home games at Revolution Arena in Battle Creek, Michigan.-2010-2011 Roster:-Regular season:-External links:***... |
| Goaltender of the Year | Awarded to the league's best goaltender | John Dorman Evansville IceMen |
Defunct teams
- Detroit DragonsDetroit DragonsThe Detroit Dragons were a professional hockey team based in Fraser, Michigan. The team was part of the All American Hockey League and started their inaugural season in November 2008...
2008-2009 - Chicago BlazeChicago Blaze (ice hockey)The Chicago Blaze was a professional hockey team based in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. The team was part of the All American Hockey League and began playing in the 2008-2009 AAHL season. The Blaze played their home games at West Meadows Ice Arena in Rolling Meadows, Illinois...
2009 - Evansville IceMen 2008-2010
- Wooster Korn KingsWooster Korn KingsThe Wooster Korn Kings were a professional hockey team based in Wooster, Ohio. The Korn Kings were a member of the All American Hockey League and played their home games at Alice Noble Ice Arena in Wooster, OH...
2010 - Troy Bruins 2009-2010
- Queen City StormQueen City StormThe Queen City Storm are a professional hockey team based in Fairfield, Ohio. The Storm are members of the All American Hockey League and play their home games at Cincinnati Sports Zone in Fairfield, OH.-Team history:...
2010 - Michigan MooseMichigan MooseThe Michigan Moose were a professional ice hockey team which played in the All American Hockey League. The team played its home games at Revolution Arena in Battle Creek, Michigan.-External links:**...
2010-2011 - Lapeer LoggersLapeer LoggersThe Lapeer Loggers were a professional hockey team based in Lapeer, Michigan. The Loggers were a member of the All American Hockey League and play their home games at Polar Palace Arena in Lapeer, MI.-Affiliates:...
2010-2011