Springfield, MA (My Sportsbook) - The American Hockey League begins its 74th season this weekend with a pair of games on Friday night - the Texas Stars begin their inaugural season by visiting the San Antonio Rampage, and the Manitoba Moose host the Houston Aeros - as 29 teams start down the road to the 2010 Calder Cup championship. The Adirondack Phantoms hit the ice in Glens Falls, N.Y., for the first time vs. the Worcester Sharks on Saturday. The AHL's third new entry for 2009-10, the Abbotsford Heat, kick off their inaugural season on Oct. 9 vs. San Antonio. Also of note, the Hershey Bears begin defense of their 2009 Calder Cup championship at home against the Norfolk Admirals on Saturday. New rules for the 2009-10 AHL season include a modification to the shootout procedures, as well as the elimination of one-minute minor penalties during overtime, instituted at the request of NHL general managers in 2008-09. The regular season comprises 1,160 games leading up to the start of the 2010 Calder Cup Playoffs in April. On Jan. 18-19, the 2010 AHL All-Star Classic will be held at the Cumberland County Civic Center in Portland, Maine. |
