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The1977–78 AHLseason was the42nd season of theAmerican Hockey League. The season was in jeopardy when the last of the original eight franchises of the "International-American Hockey League", theRhode Island Reds (previously Providence Reds) folded in the offseason, and the AHL was left with five teams. The league increased its member teams by four, when theNorth American Hockey League andSouthern Hockey Leagues both folded before the 1977–78 season. Two teams joined from the NAHL, and another from the SHL, along with one expansion team.

North and south divisions were resumed. TheF. G. "Teddy" Oke Trophy resumes as the regular season championship trophy for the north division, and theJohn D. Chick Trophy resumes as the regular season championship trophy for the south division. TheFred T. Hunt Memorial Award is first awarded to the player best exemplifying sportsmanship, determination and dedication to hockey.

Nine teams were scheduled to play 80 games each, however theHampton Gulls folded on February 10, 1978, playing 46 games. TheMaine Mariners finished first overall in the regular season, and won theCalder Cup championship as a first year expansion team.

• TheMaine Mariners join the AHL as an expansion team, based inPortland, Maine, playing in the North Division.
• TheBroome Dusters, of the defunctNorth American Hockey League, acquire and merge with theRhode Island Reds. The Reds are relocated toBinghamton, New York, and play as theBinghamton Dusters in the North Division.
• ThePhiladelphia Firebirds, based inPhiladelphia,Pennsylvania, transfer to the AHL as an expansion team, from the defunct North American Hockey League, and play in the South Division.
• TheHampton Gulls, based inHampton, Virginia, transfer to the AHL as an expansion team, from the defunct Southern Hockey League, and play in the South Division.

Note: GP = Games played; W = Wins; L = Losses; T = Ties; GF = Goals for; GA = Goals against; Pts = Points;

^†Suspended operations.

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

• complete list

Team awards

Individual awards

Other awards

• List of AHL seasons

• AHL official site
• AHL Hall of Fame
• HockeyDB

• 1977–78 AHL season
• American Hockey League seasons
• 1977–78 in American ice hockey by league
• 1977–78 in Canadian ice hockey by league

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