Pacific Hockey League
Sport | Ice hockey |
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Founded | 2036; 12 years ago |
Commissioner | Calvin Mikhalski |
No. of teams | 14 |
Countries | Canada (1 team) Willamette (5 teams) New California (8 teams) |
Headquarters | 900 T Street, Sacramento, Sacramento, New California |
Most recent champion(s) | Portland Fishers (1st title) |
Most titles | Los Angeles Kings San Jose Sharks (2 titles each) |
Domestic cup(s) | Williams Cup |
Official website | PHL.com |
The Pacific Hockey League (PHL) is a professional ice hockey league in western North America, comprising 14 teams—8 in New California, 6 in Willamette, and one in Canada. The PHL is one of eight professional sports leagues on the West Coast, being one of two leagues, along with the Pacific Basketball League, to comprise teams from both Willamette and New California. The Vancouver Canucks left the National Hockey League (NHL) in 2041 to join the PHL as its 14th and final team.
The PHL was founded in 2036, late after the formations of New California and Willamette. Before this time, all four teams in the territory were defunct and separated from the NHL as part of the Reformed States's Adversary Sports Act. The original league comprised eight teams, three in Willamette and five in New California. Three expansions have occurred: in 2037, 2039, and 2041.
The PHL operates on an 82-game schedule, beginning in early October and ending in late March. After the regular season ends, the top three teams from each league compete in the three-round Williams Cup playoffs, culminating with the Williams Cup Finals. The cup itself is given to the winners of that tournament, and the Niedermayer Cup is given to the series's most valuable player (MVP). Regular season trophies include the Kopitar Trophy, awarded to the regular season's MVP; and the Thornton Award, given to the player in the regular season with the most points.