The American Hockey League (AHL) became the major affiliation league for the National Hockey League upon its amalgamation with the International Hockey League[?] in 2001. As of the 2002-03 season, the league had 28 clubs, most of them based in eastern Canada and the United States. The league was created in 1936, and teams compete annually for the Calder Cup[?].
... 18 - Cary Grant, actor (+ 1986)
January 22 - George Balanchine, choreographer (+ 1983)
January 26 - Ancel Keys, scientist
February 1 - S. J. Perelman[?], ...