The American Hockey League (AHL) is a professional ice hockey league in North America, serving as the primary developmental league for the National Hockey League (NHL). Founded in 1936, the AHL features teams from the United States and Canada, providing a platform for players to develop their skills and potentially advance to the NHL. The league consists of 32 teams, divided into two conferences: the Eastern Conference and the Western Conference. Each season culminates in the Calder Cup Playoffs, where teams compete for the championship trophy, named after AHL founder Frank Calder. The AHL plays a crucial role in the growth of hockey talent in North America.