AHL vs USHL

How would you compare/contrast AHL and USHL?

It's quite hard to compare these two leagues in that one is a premier professional league while the other is a premier Tier I junior league. Where they compare though is in the elite level of players based on the age group. Many former USHL players that go on to the pro ranks often pass through the AHL or stick there in their professional journeys.

We scout games in each of these leagues at different levels. Our insights come heavily from this.

AHL

The AHL is a professional ice hockey league. It is North America's 2nd highest level of pro hockey sitting directly below the NHL.

USHL

The USHL is the top junior ice hockey league in the United States. The league has helped produce hundreds of NHL and even more NCAA and professional players.

Location: North America

Location: United States

Skill Level in American Hockey League

The AHL (American Hockey League) is a professional hockey league based in North America. It's the 2nd highest level of pro ice hockey in North America, sitting only below the NHL. The level of play here is quite high with it just being a small step away from the best league in the world. Not only is it a highly skilled league and natural proving ground for aspiring NHL players, but it's one of the toughest and most physical leagues to play in across the board.

Skill Level in USHL

The USHL, a Tier I junior hockey league, features 16 teams across the middle of the United States. Founded back in 1947, the league today serves as a top developmental path to NCAA and pro hockey and is unanimously considered the top junior league in the US.

Player Perspective: American Hockey League

"The Jungle (AHL) is what a lot of us players call a meat grinder. During the season, the travel schedule is demanding too. Every team has guys that can play in the NHL and guys that can fight. Many have both. To me, it's a great way to gain experience and prepare for the NHL when you hopefully get that call."

Player Perspective: USHL

"Playing in the USHL played an instrumental role in my development on the ice and as a person. I credit much of my success later in NCAA and now pro to my years in junior."

Number of Teams in American Hockey League: 32

Number of Teams in USHL: 16

Caliber of Players and Imports in AHL

The skill level of AHL players is extremely high and it's the primary development league for the NHL. Each AHL roster is filled with talented up and coming players (most drafted, some undrafted) who aim to make their way up to the main NHL club one way. Many seasoned veterans have already put in the time in the AHL and some have spent quality time in the NHL but didn't stick for one reason or another (they're still exceptional players). You'll also find some top tier European players mixed in as well who are on various NHL contracts.

Caliber of Players and Imports in USHL

USHL rosters include many of the top junior players in the world. There's a reason it's the top junior tier in the United States. An impressive amount of USHL players go on to play NCAA on scholarships, the pros (ECHL/AHL/Europe), and eventually the NHL for the very best alumni. The USHL is their junior proving grounds to compete while developing their game for the next level. To be an import in the USHL, you also have to be a top level junior player prior to playing here.