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AHL Teams Unveil Opening Night Rosters for 2025-26 Season

10/11/2025

Summary

Story summary

The Hartford Wolf Pack, San Jose Sharks, Texas Stars, and Springfield Thunderbirds announced their opening night rosters for the 2025-26 AHL season.
The Wolf Pack will play the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, while the Sharks face the Vegas Golden Knights.
The Texas Stars host the Grand Rapids Griffins, and the Springfield Thunderbirds play the Charlotte Checkers.
The Hershey Bears and Bridgeport Islanders also revealed their rosters, with the Bears showcasing a strong returning lineup.
The season will feature promotional events and ticket sales across teams.

History

Historical Context

The 2001–02 AHL season marked a pivotal expansion, with the league growing to 27 teams after absorbing six franchises from the defunct International Hockey League. This growth, including storied teams like the Hershey Bears, enhanced local engagement and ticket sales, solidifying the AHL's role as a key developmental league for the NHL and fostering community support for hockey.

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Story summary

The Hartford Wolf Pack, San Jose Sharks, Texas Stars, and Springfield Thunderbirds announced their opening night rosters for the 2025-26 AHL season.
The Wolf Pack will play the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, while the Sharks face the Vegas Golden Knights.
The Texas Stars host the Grand Rapids Griffins, and the Springfield Thunderbirds play the Charlotte Checkers.
The Hershey Bears and Bridgeport Islanders also revealed their rosters, with the Bears showcasing a strong returning lineup.
The season will feature promotional events and ticket sales across teams.

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