The American Hockey League, or AHL, is a professional ice hockey league in North America. It serves as the primary developmental league for the National Hockey League (NHL), where many young players gain experience before moving up to the NHL. The AHL features teams from both the United States and Canada, providing exciting hockey for fans and a platform for players to showcase their skills. Each AHL team is affiliated with an NHL team, meaning that they share players and resources. This relationship helps NHL teams develop their prospects and gives AHL players a chance to prove themselves. The league has a rich history and continues to be a vital part of the hockey ecosystem.