Though the Toronto Marlies is a newer face in the American Hockey League, their franchise history dates back to 1978. For the AHL, it isn’t uncommon for teams to relocate multiple times, and the Marlies are no exception.
The Marlies’ roots took shape in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada. From 1978 to 1982, the New Brunswick Hawks was a member of the AHL. Jointly operated by the National Hockey League’s Chicago Black Hawks and the Toronto Maple Leafs, the franchise served as the farm team for both clubs. For those thinking that “Black Hawks” might be mistyped, the franchise actually stylized their team name that way until 1986. There’s a fun fact for your next hockey trivia night!
The New Brunswick Hawks won the F. G. “Teddy” Oke Trophy twice as the regular season division champions in 1979–80 and 1981–82. In the 1981-82 season, New Brunswick won the Calder Cup, defeating the Binghamton Whalers four games to one.
That summer, the Black Hawks gave up their portion of team ownership. Since the Maple Leafs could not reach new terms with the city on a new arena lease, they moved the franchise to St. Catharines, Ontario.
to establish the St. Catharines Saints as their farm team. However, the same off-season the Edmonton Oilers purchased an AHL franchise and formed the Moncton Alpines to replace the departed team.
Wilkes-Barre/Penguins Find Stability
Since finding their home in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, the Penguins have played their way to the Calder Cup three times. They have yet to win an AHL championship. Their first trip was in their second season in Pennsylvania, losing to the Saint John Flames in six games.
Three years later, they returned to the Calder Cup Finals but were ultimately swept by the Milwaukee Admirals.
The last trip to the Finals by the Penguins was in 2008, but once again losing in six games. This time at the hands of the Chicago Wolves.
For all but four seasons of their existence (1999-00, 2001-02, 2018-19, and 2022-23) the Penguins have made it to the Calder Cup Playoffs.
In the 2022-23 season, the Penguins finished with a record of 26-32-8-6, eighth in the Atlantic Division. They missed out on the Calder Cup playoffs by 14 points.
Their current head coach is J.D. Forrest, their current GM is Erik Heasley, and they play out of Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza.
Notable former Penguins include Marc-Andre Fleury, Brooks Orpik, Tom Kostopoulous, Tristan Jarry, and Mark Letestu, among many others.