Hamilton Bulldogs

Springfield, MA - American Hockey League President and CEO David Andrews announced that the league will operate with an all-time high of 30 active teams in 2010-11, which will also mark the AHL's historic 75^th season. The Bulldogs in their 15^th season in the AHL will defend their North Division Championship against the Abbotsford Heat (Calgary Flames), Grand Rapids Griffins (Detroit Red Wings), Lake Erie Monsters (Colorado Avalanche), Manitoba Moose (Vancouver Canucks), Rochester Americans (Florida Panthers) and Toronto Marlies (Toronto Maple Leafs).

All 30 National Hockey League teams will have their own primary affiliate playing in the AHL next fall. The league's Board of Governors has approved the following conference and division alignment for 2010-2011 (NHL affiliates in parentheses):

Eastern Conference

Atlantic Division                                             East Division
Bridgeport Sound Tigers (NYI)                             Adirondack Phantoms (PHI)
Hartford Wolf Pack (NYR)                                   Albany Devils (NJ)
Manchester Monarchs (LA)                                  Binghamton Senators (OTT)
Portland Pirates (BUF)                                        Charlotte Checkers (CAR)
Providence Bruins (BOS)                                     Hershey Bears (WSH)
Springfield Falcons (CBJ)                                     Norfolk Admirals (TB)
Worcester Sharks (SJ)                                        Syracuse Crunch (ANA)
                                                                        Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (PIT)

Western Conference

North Division                                                 West Division
Abbotsford Heat (CGY)                                      Chicago Wolves (ATL)
Grand Rapids Griffins (DET)                                Houston Aeros (HOU)
Hamilton Bulldogs (MTL)                                    Milwaukee Admirals (NSH)
Lake Erie Monsters (COL)                                   Oklahoma City Barons (EDM)
Manitoba Moose (VAN)                                       Peoria Rivermen (STL)
Rochester Americans (FLA)                                 Rockford IceHogs (CHI)
Toronto Marlies (TOR)                                        San Antonio Rampage (PHX)
                                                                        Texas Stars (DAL)

The AHL 2010-2011 regular season will begin on October 8^th, 2010. The complete schedule will be announced later this summer.

In operation since 1936, the AHL continues to serve as the top development league for all 30 National Hockey League teams. More than 85 percent of today's NHL players are American Hockey League graduates, and for the ninth year in a row, more than 6 million fans attended AHL games across North America in 2009-10.

For information on Bulldogs season tickets, flex packs, mini packs and group tickets call 905-529-8500 or visit www.hamiltonbulldogs.com.