AHL Kicks Off 2012-13 Season

The American Hockey League starts its 77th season tonight. With the NHL lockout having no end in sight, could this be the highest level of professional hockey we see in North America this season?

While some NHLers have signed contracts across Europe, the AHL will offer the most familiar hockey most NHL fans are used to watching.

The AHL was very stable in the off-season. There were no team changes, all 30 franchises remained in tact and where they were.

There were two changes in NHL affiliations: the Norfolk Admirals are now feeding the Anaheim Ducks and the Syracuse Crunch will be the top affiliate of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

In an interesting twist Norfolk will be entering the season with a 28-game winning streak — but most of that team will now be in Syracuse.