The 1980–81 AHL season

Season (sports)

In an organized sports league, a season is the portion of one year in which regulated games of the sport are in session. For example, in Major League Baseball, one season lasts approximately from April 1 through October 1; in Association football, it is generally from August until May In an...

was the 45th season of the American Hockey League

American Hockey League

The American Hockey League is a 30-team professional ice hockey league based in the United States and Canada that serves as the primary developmental circuit for the National Hockey League...

. Nine teams played 80 games each in the schedule. The Hershey Bears

Hershey Bears

The Hershey Bears Hockey Club is a professional ice hockey team playing in the American Hockey League, and is currently the top affiliate of the NHL Washington Capitals. The hockey club is based in the unincorporated town of Hershey, Pennsylvania, located within Derry Township some 14 miles east of...

 finished first overall in the regular season. The Adirondack Red Wings

Adirondack Red Wings

The Adirondack Red Wings were a minor professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. They played in Glens Falls, New York, USA at the Glens Falls Civic Center. The team was affiliated with the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League...

 won their first Calder Cup

Calder Cup

The Calder Cup is awarded annually to the playoff champion of the American Hockey League. The trophy is the world's second oldest continuous professional ice hockey championship, having first been awarded in 1937 following the 1936-37 AHL season, and continuously being awarded every year.The cup...

 championship.

Team changes

• The Syracuse Firebirds cease operations.
• The Binghamton Dusters
  Binghamton Dusters
  The Binghamton Dusters were an ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. They played in Binghamton, New York, USA at the Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena...
  
   become the Binghamton Whalers
  Binghamton Whalers
  The Binghamton Whalers was an ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. It played in Binghamton, New York, USA, at the Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena.-History:...
  
  .
• The Adirondack Red Wings
  Adirondack Red Wings
  The Adirondack Red Wings were a minor professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. They played in Glens Falls, New York, USA at the Glens Falls Civic Center. The team was affiliated with the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League...
  
   switch divisions from North to South.

Final standings

Note: GP = Games played; W = Wins; L = Losses; T = Ties; GF = Goals For; GA = Goals Against; PTS = Points;

North	GP	W	L	T	PTS	GF	GA
Maine Mariners Maine Mariners The Maine Mariners were an ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. They played in Portland, Maine, USA at the Cumberland County Civic Center.-History:...	80	45	28	7	97	319	292
New Brunswick Hawks New Brunswick Hawks The New Brunswick Hawks were a professional ice hockey team based in Moncton, New Brunswick. Home games were played at the Moncton Coliseum. They were a member of the American Hockey League between 1978 and 1982. The Hawks operated as a minor league affiliate of the Chicago Black Hawks and the...	80	37	33	10	84	317	298
Nova Scotia Voyageurs Nova Scotia Voyageurs The Nova Scotia Voyageurs were a professional ice hockey team, based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. They played in the American Hockey League, from 1971 to 1984. The Voyageurs played their first two seasons , as the Montreal Voyageurs....	80	38	37	5	81	335	298
Springfield Indians Springfield Indians The Springfield Indians were a minor professional ice hockey franchise, originally based in West Springfield, Massachusetts and later Springfield, Massachusetts. The Indians were founding members of the American Hockey League. They were in existence for a total of 60 seasons from 1926 to 1994, with...	80	34	41	5	73	312	343

South	GP	W	L	T	PTS	GF	GA
Hershey Bears Hershey Bears The Hershey Bears Hockey Club is a professional ice hockey team playing in the American Hockey League, and is currently the top affiliate of the NHL Washington Capitals. The hockey club is based in the unincorporated town of Hershey, Pennsylvania, located within Derry Township some 14 miles east of...	80	47	24	9	103	357	299
Adirondack Red Wings Adirondack Red Wings The Adirondack Red Wings were a minor professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. They played in Glens Falls, New York, USA at the Glens Falls Civic Center. The team was affiliated with the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League...	80	35	40	5	75	305	328
Binghamton Whalers Binghamton Whalers The Binghamton Whalers was an ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. It played in Binghamton, New York, USA, at the Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena.-History:...	80	32	42	6	70	296	336
New Haven Nighthawks New Haven Nighthawks The New Haven Nighthawks are a former ice hockey team that played in the American Hockey League from 1972 to 1992. They had affiliations with the Minnesota North Stars , New York Islanders , New York Rangers , and Los Angeles Kings...	80	29	40	11	69	295	321
Rochester Americans Rochester Americans The Rochester Americans are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League, and a top affiliate of the Buffalo Sabres. The team plays its home games in Rochester, New York, at the Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial...	80	30	42	8	68	295	316

Scoring leaders

Note: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; PIM = Penalty Minutes

Player	Team	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
Mark Lofthouse Mark Lofthouse Mark Allen Lofthouse is a former Canadian ice hockey player. He was a goalscorer.Drafted in 1977 by both the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League and the Winnipeg Jets of the World Hockey Association, Lofthouse also played for the Detroit Red Wings.Lofthouse suited up for the Capitals...	Hershey Bears Hershey Bears The Hershey Bears Hockey Club is a professional ice hockey team playing in the American Hockey League, and is currently the top affiliate of the NHL Washington Capitals. The hockey club is based in the unincorporated town of Hershey, Pennsylvania, located within Derry Township some 14 miles east of...	74	48	55	103	131
Dan Daoust Dan Daoust Daniel Armand "Dan" Daoust is a retired Canadian ice hockey forward. All but 4 of his 522 career National Hockey League games were spent as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs.-Career:...	Nova Scotia Voyageurs Nova Scotia Voyageurs The Nova Scotia Voyageurs were a professional ice hockey team, based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. They played in the American Hockey League, from 1971 to 1984. The Voyageurs played their first two seasons , as the Montreal Voyageurs....	80	38	60	98	106
Tony Cassolato Tony Cassolato Anthony Gerry Cassolato is a retired Canadian ice hockey right winger. He began his professional career in 1976 in the World Hockey Association, first with the San Diego Mariners and then the Birmingham Bulls...	Hershey Bears Hershey Bears The Hershey Bears Hockey Club is a professional ice hockey team playing in the American Hockey League, and is currently the top affiliate of the NHL Washington Capitals. The hockey club is based in the unincorporated town of Hershey, Pennsylvania, located within Derry Township some 14 miles east of...	74	48	46	94	23
Dave Gorman Dave Gorman (ice hockey) David Peter Gorman is a retired professional ice hockey player who played 260 games in the World Hockey Association and 3 games in the National Hockey League. He played for the Birmingham Bulls, Atlanta Flames, and Phoenix Roadrunners.- References :...	Nova Scotia Voyageurs Nova Scotia Voyageurs The Nova Scotia Voyageurs were a professional ice hockey team, based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. They played in the American Hockey League, from 1971 to 1984. The Voyageurs played their first two seasons , as the Montreal Voyageurs....	78	43	47	90	82
Normand Aubin	New Brunswick Hawks New Brunswick Hawks The New Brunswick Hawks were a professional ice hockey team based in Moncton, New Brunswick. Home games were played at the Moncton Coliseum. They were a member of the American Hockey League between 1978 and 1982. The Hawks operated as a minor league affiliate of the Chicago Black Hawks and the...	79	43	46	89	99
Guy Carbonneau Guy Carbonneau Guy Carbonneau is a Canadian retired professional ice hockey player in the National Hockey League. He is also the president of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League 's Chicoutimi Saguenéens. He has two daughters Anne-Marie and Kristina, with wife Line Carbonneau. Anne-Marie married his former...	Nova Scotia Voyageurs Nova Scotia Voyageurs The Nova Scotia Voyageurs were a professional ice hockey team, based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. They played in the American Hockey League, from 1971 to 1984. The Voyageurs played their first two seasons , as the Montreal Voyageurs....	78	35	53	88	87
Jean-Francois Sauve Jean-François Sauvé Jean-Francois "J. F." Sauvé is a former professional ice hockey centre. He played in the National Hockey League with the Buffalo Sabres and Quebec Nordiques. He is the brother of former NHL goaltender Bob Sauvé and the uncle of current NHL goaltender Philippe Sauvé.In his NHL career, Sauvé...	Rochester Americans Rochester Americans The Rochester Americans are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League, and a top affiliate of the Buffalo Sabres. The team plays its home games in Rochester, New York, at the Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial...	56	29	54	83	21
Craig Levie Craig Levie Craig Dean Levie is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman who played 183 games in the National Hockey League for the St. Louis Blues, Minnesota North Stars, Winnipeg Jets, and Vancouver Canucks....	Nova Scotia Voyageurs Nova Scotia Voyageurs The Nova Scotia Voyageurs were a professional ice hockey team, based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. They played in the American Hockey League, from 1971 to 1984. The Voyageurs played their first two seasons , as the Montreal Voyageurs....	80	20	62	82	162
Paul Evans	Maine Mariners Maine Mariners The Maine Mariners were an ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. They played in Portland, Maine, USA at the Cumberland County Civic Center.-History:...	78	28	52	80	49
Reg Thomas Reg Thomas Reginald Kenneth Thomas is a retired professional ice hockey player who played primarily in the World Hockey Association. After a standout junior career for the London Knights in which he scored 309 points in only three seasons, he was drafted by both the Los Angeles Sharks of the WHA and the...	Nova Scotia Voyageurs Nova Scotia Voyageurs The Nova Scotia Voyageurs were a professional ice hockey team, based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. They played in the American Hockey League, from 1971 to 1984. The Voyageurs played their first two seasons , as the Montreal Voyageurs....	74	36	43	79	90

• complete list

Calder Cup playoffs

Trophy and award winners

Team awards

Calder Cup Calder Cup The Calder Cup is awarded annually to the playoff champion of the American Hockey League. The trophy is the world's second oldest continuous professional ice hockey championship, having first been awarded in 1937 following the 1936-37 AHL season, and continuously being awarded every year.The cup... Playoff champions:	Adirondack Red Wings Adirondack Red Wings The Adirondack Red Wings were a minor professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. They played in Glens Falls, New York, USA at the Glens Falls Civic Center. The team was affiliated with the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League...
F. G. "Teddy" Oke Trophy Regular Season champions, North Division:	Maine Mariners Maine Mariners The Maine Mariners were an ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. They played in Portland, Maine, USA at the Cumberland County Civic Center.-History:...
John D. Chick Trophy John D. Chick Trophy The John D. Chick Trophy is presented annually to the AHL's team that has the best record in the West Division.The award is named after John Chick, who served as vice president and treasurer of the American Hockey League.... Regular Season champions, South Division:	Hershey Bears Hershey Bears The Hershey Bears Hockey Club is a professional ice hockey team playing in the American Hockey League, and is currently the top affiliate of the NHL Washington Capitals. The hockey club is based in the unincorporated town of Hershey, Pennsylvania, located within Derry Township some 14 miles east of...

Individual awards

Les Cunningham Award Les Cunningham Award The Les Cunningham Award is given annually to American Hockey League's "Most Valuable Player" of the regular season, as voted on by AHL media and players.... Most valuable player:	Pelle Lindbergh Pelle Lindbergh Per-Eric Göran "Pelle" Lindbergh was a Swedish professional ice hockey goaltender who played parts of five seasons in the National Hockey League for the Philadelphia Flyers.-Playing career:...  - Maine Mariners Maine Mariners The Maine Mariners were an ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. They played in Portland, Maine, USA at the Cumberland County Civic Center.-History:...
John B. Sollenberger Trophy John B. Sollenberger Trophy The John B. Sollenberger Trophy is given to American Hockey League's leading scorer for the season.The award was named for John B. Sollenberger in 1955. Sollenberger was a long-time contributor to the league as manager and president of the Hershey Bears and former Chairman of the Board of Governors... Top point scorer:	Mike Lofthouse - Hershey Bears Hershey Bears The Hershey Bears Hockey Club is a professional ice hockey team playing in the American Hockey League, and is currently the top affiliate of the NHL Washington Capitals. The hockey club is based in the unincorporated town of Hershey, Pennsylvania, located within Derry Township some 14 miles east of...
Dudley "Red" Garrett Memorial Award Rookie of the year:	Pelle Lindbergh Pelle Lindbergh Per-Eric Göran "Pelle" Lindbergh was a Swedish professional ice hockey goaltender who played parts of five seasons in the National Hockey League for the Philadelphia Flyers.-Playing career:...  - Maine Mariners Maine Mariners The Maine Mariners were an ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. They played in Portland, Maine, USA at the Cumberland County Civic Center.-History:...
Eddie Shore Award Eddie Shore Award The Eddie Shore Award is presented annually to the AHL's best defenceman. The award winner is chosen by AHL media and players. The award is named after Hockey Hall of Fame inductee Eddie Shore.-Winners:-Other Eddie Shore Award:... Defenceman of the year:	Craig Levie Craig Levie Craig Dean Levie is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman who played 183 games in the National Hockey League for the St. Louis Blues, Minnesota North Stars, Winnipeg Jets, and Vancouver Canucks....  - Nova Scotia Voyageurs Nova Scotia Voyageurs The Nova Scotia Voyageurs were a professional ice hockey team, based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. They played in the American Hockey League, from 1971 to 1984. The Voyageurs played their first two seasons , as the Montreal Voyageurs....
Harry "Hap" Holmes Memorial Award Lowest goals against average:	Pelle Lindbergh Pelle Lindbergh Per-Eric Göran "Pelle" Lindbergh was a Swedish professional ice hockey goaltender who played parts of five seasons in the National Hockey League for the Philadelphia Flyers.-Playing career:...  & Robbie Moore Robbie Moore Robert David "Robbie" Moore is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender who played for the Philadelphia Flyers and Washington Capitals. He played his college hockey at the University of Michigan and the University of Western Ontario. Author John U...  - Maine Mariners Maine Mariners The Maine Mariners were an ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. They played in Portland, Maine, USA at the Cumberland County Civic Center.-History:...
Louis A.R. Pieri Memorial Award Coach of the year:	Bob McCammon Bob McCammon Robert "Bob" McCammon is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey centre and a former National Hockey League and American Hockey League head coach and general manager. He was a pro scout with the Detroit Red Wings....  - Maine Mariners Maine Mariners The Maine Mariners were an ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. They played in Portland, Maine, USA at the Cumberland County Civic Center.-History:...
Fred T. Hunt Memorial Award Fred T. Hunt Memorial Award The Fred T. Hunt Memorial Award is an American Hockey League trophy awarded annually to the player best exemplifying sportsmanship, determination and dedication to hockey. The award is voted upon by players and members of the media around the American Hockey League.The award is named for Fred T... Sportsmanship / Perseverance:	Tony Cassolato Tony Cassolato Anthony Gerry Cassolato is a retired Canadian ice hockey right winger. He began his professional career in 1976 in the World Hockey Association, first with the San Diego Mariners and then the Birmingham Bulls...  - Hershey Bears Hershey Bears The Hershey Bears Hockey Club is a professional ice hockey team playing in the American Hockey League, and is currently the top affiliate of the NHL Washington Capitals. The hockey club is based in the unincorporated town of Hershey, Pennsylvania, located within Derry Township some 14 miles east of...

Other awards

James C. Hendy Memorial Award James C. Hendy Memorial Award The James C. Hendy Memorial Award is presented annually to an executive who has made the most outstanding contribution to the American Hockey League.... Most outstanding executive:	Ed Anderson
James H. Ellery Memorial Awards James H. Ellery Memorial Awards The James H. Ellery Memorial Awards are presented annually to the individuals of the news media for outstanding media coverage of the American Hockey League. The awards honor the late James Ellery, former publicity director for the AHL. The first award was handed out to one individual in 1965...   Outstanding media coverage:	Rick Wheeler, Rochester, (newspaper) Russ Small, Hershey, (radio) Simeon Smith, Rochester, (television)
Ken McKenzie Award Ken McKenzie Award The Ken McKenzie Award is presented annually to an individual who accomplished the most during the season in promoting his or her American Hockey League team, by marketing and public relations. The award is named for Ken McKenzie, the co-founder and longtime president and publisher of The Hockey... Outstanding marketing executive:	Brent Hancock, Hershey Bears Hershey Bears The Hershey Bears Hockey Club is a professional ice hockey team playing in the American Hockey League, and is currently the top affiliate of the NHL Washington Capitals. The hockey club is based in the unincorporated town of Hershey, Pennsylvania, located within Derry Township some 14 miles east of...