After watching the Chicago Wolves and the Texas Stars play last night, I can’t help but think about how different each division or conference is, even in a league hyper focused on development like the AHL. It’s something I was talking to a scout about a few weeks back and he talked about how the game out west is an opposite to east coast hockey.

- The Atlantic and North Divisions feel the most like the NHL “Original Six” era. Teams play each other a lot during the season and form historic rivalries. Plus, travel is easy as most teams are driving distance from each other. The on-ice feel is a heavy checking game with strong defenses.

- The Pacific Division is a more open game. north-south, run and gun, and high-scoring hockey. Teams are also distant from a geographical standpoint making travel a key part of the division.

- Then there are the teams in the middle. The Central Division is a hybrid and a few teams in the Eastern Conference, notably, Cleveland and Charlotte who are a mix of both.

It’s fascinating to watch because the games look different even though the league’s objective is the same, to develop NHL team’s prospects.

Want to get your thoughts on this if anyone has any.