AHLTV, the new and improved online streaming service offered by the American Hockey League, is bringing more fans into the fold. Thanks to the new program, it’s cheaper and easier to access high-quality streams of any and all AHL teams than ever before. Specifically today we’ll focus on the Penguins AHL Affiliate, the Wilkes-Barre\/Scranton Penguins but everything is applicable to all of the AHL’s teams.<\/p>\n
With a price tag of around that of a meal at McDonalds for a one day pass, it’s understandable more people will be tuning in. And for 60 dollars you could get every single broadcast for one team. However, that does lead to some learning curves. While the AHL is similar, it is not (obviously) the NHL. So, I thought having a primer of important things to know about the AHL could help everyone involved.<\/p>\n
What is the “Veteran Rule” ?<\/strong> This rule is important because it ensures teams are trying to work their players through their systems. And it’s important for Wilkes-Barre\/Scranton fans to know as they are carrying the most veterans you can on a team. Though there is quite a mix of new and old guys on the ice most of the time.<\/p>\n Take a look at this Wilkes-Barre\/Scranton Penguins starting line-up from the weekend of October 20th:<\/p>\n Tonight's starting lineup #WBS20<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/93J0KHJnBy<\/a><\/p>\n — X – WBS Penguins (@WBSPenguins) October 20, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\nThe most important rule that differs from the NHL is what the AHL calls “the veteran rule” or “the developmental rule<\/a>” it reads as follows:
\nOf the 18 skaters (not counting two goaltenders) that teams may dress for a game, at least 13 must be qualified as \u201cdevelopment players.\u201d Of those 13, 12 must have played in 260 or fewer professional games (including AHL, NHL and European elite leagues), and one must have played in 320 or fewer professional games. All calculations for development status are based on regular-season totals as of the start of the season.<\/em><\/p>\n\n