The NHL, short for the National Hockey League, is an exciting and fast-paced ice hockey league that truly captures the hearts of millions of fans worldwide. As passionate fans, we often use team abbreviations to discuss our favorites, but let’s take a moment to explore their origins and importance.
I have a detailed guide just for you, where I’ll share some cool insights on NHL team abbreviations. Ready to dive in? Let’s go!
Understanding NHL Team Abbreviations
Before we jump into the different team abbreviations, let’s first get a grasp of how they’re structured and why they exist. NHL team abbreviations are made up of three uppercase letters, serving different functions like showing up on team logos, jerseys, and in-game graphics. These codes aren’t randomly selected; they usually tie back to the team’s city, nickname, or history.
1. ANA – Mighty Ducks of Anaheim/Anaheim Ducks
The Anaheim Ducks are usually shorted to ANA. They got “ANA” from being in Anaheim, California. The Ducks got their name and logo from Disney’s “Mighty Ducks” movies, and their black and orange colors are all about that movie vibe. So, when you spot “ANA” on the ice, you’re catching the Anaheim Ducks in play.
2. ARI – Arizona Coyotes
The Arizona Coyotes, which used to go by the name Phoenix Coyotes, go by the abbreviation ARI. This little shortcut nods to their home state, Arizona. And the “Coyotes” part? Well, that’s all about those tough and adaptable critters from the Southwest of the good ol’ USA!
3. AFM – Atlanta Flames
The Atlanta Flames, remember them? They were an NHL team from Atlanta, Georgia, with the abbreviation AFM. Played from ’72 to ’80, then off to Calgary to become the Flames we know today.
4. ATL – Atlanta Thrashers
The Atlanta Thrashers, known as ATL, were an NHL team in Atlanta from 1999 to 2011. They then moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba, and transformed into today’s Winnipeg Jets.
5. BOS – Boston Bruins
When you spot “BOS” on the ice or a jersey, that’s the Boston Bruins out there doing their thing. The short form just nods to their home city, Boston. And with their mascot being a bear, it adds a fierce vibe to the name, solidifying the Boston Bruins as a powerhouse in the league.
6. BUF – Buffalo Sabres
The Buffalo Sabres come from Buffalo, New York, hence the “BUF” abbreviation. Fun fact: The name “Sabres” pays tribute to Buffalo’s history! Back in the War of 1812, Buffalo was a key military outpost, and sabers were a big deal back then. Cool, right?
7. BRK – Brooklyn Americans
The Brooklyn Americans, or BRK, were actually one of the NHL’s original teams from 1925 to 1942. Based in Brooklyn, New York, they were pretty famous for their cool red, white, and blue uniforms!
8. CGY – Calgary Flames
The Calgary Flames use the abbreviation CGY. The “CGY” comes from the team’s home in Calgary, Alberta. The name “Flames” actually pays homage to a tough time in Calgary’s past—the 1980s had some major fires in the city, one even messed up their old arena.
9. CAR – Carolina Hurricanes
The Carolina Hurricanes, known as CAR, they actually rep both North and South Carolina. The name “Hurricanes” is all about those wild storms hitting the area, so it’s a fitting pick.
10. CHI – Chicago Blackhawks
When you think about the Chicago Blackhawks, just remember “CHI.” This abbreviation stands for the team’s hometown, Chicago, Illinois. The team’s logo proudly showcases a Native American head, honoring the Native American heritage of the area.
11. COL – Colorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche’s abbreviation, COL, actually comes from their home state, Colorado. The team’s name was inspired by the awe-inspiring avalanches in the Rocky Mountains!
12. CBJ – Columbus Blue Jackets
The Columbus Blue Jackets are commonly abbreviated as CBJ. The abbreviation “CBJ” symbolizes the team’s base city, Columbus, Ohio. The moniker “Blue Jackets” holds historical importance, referencing the blue attire worn by Union soldiers from Ohio during the American Civil War.
13. CGS – Bay Area Seals/California Golden Seals
The Bay Area Seals and the California Golden Seals utilized the abbreviation CGS. The franchise operated in the San Francisco Bay Area from 1967 to 1976 prior to moving to Cleveland and amalgamating with the Minnesota North Stars.
14. CLE – Cleveland Barons
The Cleveland Barons, known as CLE, were a highly successful minor league professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. Based in Cleveland, Ohio, at the Cleveland Arena, the original Barons were the most successful team in AHL history, playing from 1937 to 1973.
15. CLR – Colorado Rockies
The Colorado Rockies, also known as CLR, used to be an NHL team in Denver, Colorado, from 1976 to 1982. They later moved to New Jersey and transformed into the New Jersey Devils.
16. DAL – Dallas Stars
The Dallas Stars, also referred to as DAL, proudly represent their hometown, Dallas, Texas. Embracing the “Stars” moniker, paying homage to the Lone Star State’s emblem, symbolizes the team’s ambition to radiate as brilliantly as a star on the ice.
17. DET – Detroit Red Wings
When you think of the Detroit Red Wings, that “DET” abbreviation really stands out. It’s all about Detroit, Michigan, where the team’s from. And the name “Red Wings” comes from that cool winged wheel logo, representing the city’s auto industry.
18. DCG – Detroit Cougars
The Detroit Cougars, affectionately known as DCG, were among the NHL’s original teams, hitting the ice from 1926 to 1930. The franchise later transformed into the Detroit Falcons before finally becoming the beloved Detroit Red Wings.
19. DFL – Detroit Falcons
The Detroit Falcons, abbreviated as DFL, were a professional ice hockey team that competed in the NHL from 1930 to 1932. Originating in Detroit, Michigan, they served as a precursor to the renowned Detroit Red Wings franchise, laying the foundation for the successful hockey legacy that followed.
20. EDM – Edmonton Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers go by the abbreviation EDM, representing their hometown, Edmonton, Alberta. The name “Oilers” is a nod to the area’s deep connection to the oil and gas industry.
21. FLA – Florida Panthers
In Sunrise, Florida, the Florida Panthers roar with the abbreviation FLA. Their name pays homage to the endangered Florida panther, a majestic and elusive big cat that reigns over the region.
22. HAM – Hamilton Tigers
The Hamilton Tigers, or HAM, were in the NHL from 1920 to 1925, hanging out in Hamilton, Ontario.
23. HFD – Hartford Whalers
The Hartford Whalers, affectionately known as HFD, graced Hartford, Connecticut, from 1979 to 1997 before embarking on a new journey to North Carolina and transforming into the Carolina Hurricanes. The team left an indelible mark with its iconic whale tail logo, capturing the hearts of fans near and far.
24. KCS – Kansas City Scouts
The Kansas City Scouts, known as KCS, were an NHL team based in Kansas City, Missouri from ’74 to ’76 before heading to Colorado and transforming into the Colorado Rockies.
25. LAK – Los Angeles Kings
When you spot “LAK” on the ice, you’re in the realm of the Los Angeles Kings. This abbreviation marks their turf in sunny Los Angeles, California. The name “Kings” embodies the city’s royal essence and its pursuit of greatness. 🏒👑
26. MIN – Minnesota Wild
The Minnesota Wild’s abbreviation, MIN, represents their home state, Minnesota. And the name “Wild” honors the state’s beautiful wilderness and nature.
27. MTL – Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens, known as the Habs, go by the abbreviation MTL. “MTL” reflects the team’s hometown, Montreal, Quebec. This team holds a significant place in NHL history, being one of the oldest and most celebrated franchises with roots dating back to 1909.
28. MMR – Montreal Maroons
The Montreal Maroons, aka MMR, were one of the original NHL teams, playing from 1924 to 1938. They were famous for their unique maroon and white uniforms.
29. MNS – Minnesota North Stars
The Minnesota North Stars, or MNS, had a good run in the NHL from 1967 to 1993 before moving to Dallas and transforming into the Dallas Stars. They actually started out through a merger with the California Golden Seals.
30. MWN – Montreal Wanderers
The Montreal Wanderers, or MWN, were actually one of the NHL’s original teams, hitting the ice in the league’s very first season back in 1917. It’s a bummer though – they only got to play a few games before their arena went up in flames, and poof, the team was gone.
31. NSH – Nashville Predators
The Nashville Predators proudly carry the abbreviation NSH, representing their vibrant hometown of Nashville, Tennessee. Their fierce moniker, “Predators,” pays homage to the ancient saber-toothed tiger fossils unearthed in the area.
32. NJD – New Jersey Devils
The New Jersey Devils are known as NJD. It’s like a nod to their home state, New Jersey, with that cool devilish logo they’ve got going on.
33. NYI – New York Islanders
When you spot “NYI” on the ice, that’s the New York Islanders in play. The short form nods to their home state, New York, while “Islanders” pays homage to their Long Island beginnings.
34. NYR – New York Rangers
The New York Rangers go by the abbreviation NYR, representing their hometown, New York. They’re part of the Original Six teams, dating back to the early years of the league.
35. NYA – New York Americans
The New York Americans, known as NYA, were actually one of the NHL’s original teams, playing from 1925 to 1942. Based in New York City, they rocked those patriotic red, white, and blue jerseys!
36. OTT – Ottawa Senators
The Ottawa Senators, hailing from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, are usually called OTT. Fun fact: the name “Senators” nods to Ottawa’s political legacy as Canada’s capital!
37. OAK – California/Oakland Seals
The California Golden Seals, first called the Oakland Seals and nicknamed OAK, were in the NHL from 1967 to 1976 before joining up with the Minnesota North Stars.
38. PHI – Philadelphia Flyers
The Philadelphia Flyers proudly carry the abbreviation PHI, a nod to their roots in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Their logo boldly showcases a winged “P,” paying homage to the city’s legacy as the birthplace of American independence.
39. PIT – Pittsburgh Penguins
The Pittsburgh Penguins, known by the abbreviation PIT, embody the spirit of resilience just like their namesake – the flightless birds. 🐧🏒
40. PIR – Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates, known as PIR, set sail as one of the NHL’s early pioneers from 1925 to 1930. Hailing from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, their name echoed the city’s swashbuckling past, nestled by the meeting of three rivers. 🏴☠️⚓
41. QBD – Quebec Bulldogs
The Quebec Bulldogs, affectionately known as QBD, stood as pioneers in the NHL’s early days, gracing the ice from 1919 to 1920. Originating from the vibrant Quebec City, their legacy shines as a testament to the NHL’s deep-rooted history in Canada.
42. QUA – Philadelphia Quakers
The Philadelphia Quakers, fondly known as QUA, had a brief stint in the NHL back in the 1930-31 season. Even though their time was short, they played a part in Philadelphia’s early hockey history.
43. QUE – Quebec Nordiques
The Quebec Nordiques, known as QUE, were a cherished NHL team from Quebec City, Quebec, back in the day from 1979 to 1995. When they moved to Colorado, it really hit hard for Quebecois hockey fans.
44. SJS – San Jose Sharks
When it comes to the San Jose Sharks, you’ll often see the abbreviation SJS. This stands for the team’s hometown, San Jose, California. The name “Sharks” really showcases the fierce and predatory nature of these ocean creatures.
45. SEA – Seattle Kraken
Have you heard about the Seattle Kraken, the latest team to join the NHL? They go by the abbreviation SEA. The team’s name, “Kraken,” is inspired by the legendary sea monster, tying into Seattle’s maritime history and culture. Cool, right?
46. STL – St. Louis Blues
The St. Louis Blues, aka STL, are all about St. Louis, Missouri. The name “Blues” tips its hat to the music scene that’s a big part of the city’s vibe.
47. SEN – Ottawa Senators (original)
The OG Ottawa Senators, or SEN as they were called, were part of the NHL’s OG gang, playing ball from 1917 to 1934. They totally ruled the early league scene, grabbing a bunch of Stanley Cups.
48. SLE – St. Louis Eagles
The St. Louis Eagles, also known as SLE, had a short stint in the NHL back in the 1934-35 season. They called St. Louis, Missouri, home, and their time in the league is just a little footnote in its history books.
49. TBL – Tampa Bay Lightning
The Tampa Bay Lightning goes by TBL, representing their hometown, Tampa Bay, Florida. They chose “Lightning” ’cause of all the lightning storms that hit the area pretty often.
50. TOR – Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs, or just TOR, they’re all about Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Fun fact: They got their name from the symbol on Canadian soldiers’ badges in World War I. Cool, right?
51. TAN – Toronto Hockey Club/Toronto Arenas
The Toronto Hockey Club, or you could say the Toronto Arenas (TAN), was actually one of the original NHL teams, playing from 1917 to 1919!
52. TSP – Toronto St. Patricks
The Toronto St. Patricks, also known as TSP, were in the NHL from 1919 to 1927. After a name change, they evolved into the Toronto Maple Leafs, a super iconic team in the league!
53. VAN – Vancouver Canucks
The Vancouver Canucks, affectionately called VAN, proudly represent their hometown, Vancouver, British Columbia. Their name “Canucks” originates from a Canadian slang term for folks from the western regions, adding a touch of local charm to their identity.
54. VGK – Vegas Golden Knights
Based in the vibrant city of Las Vegas, Nevada, the Vegas Golden Knights proudly go by the abbreviation VGK. Their name, “Golden Knights,” captures the essence of entertainment and the legendary Knights of the Round Table, adding a touch of magic to the ice.
55. WIN – Winnipeg Jets (original)
The original Winnipeg Jets, known by the abbreviation WIN, soared through the NHL from 1972 to 1996. Winnipeg, Manitoba, held them dear until they migrated south to Arizona, transforming into the Phoenix Coyotes (now Arizona Coyotes).
56. WPG – Winnipeg Jets
The Winnipeg Jets, known as WPG, soared back into the NHL in 2011, sprouting from the roots of the Atlanta Thrashers. Their return reignited the fiery passion of Winnipeg’s devoted hockey fans.
57. WSH – Washington Capitals
The Washington Capitals, hailing from the heart of Washington, D.C., go by the abbreviation WSH. Since their establishment in 1974, they’ve risen as a key player in the NHL, leaving a lasting mark on the growth of hockey in the U.S. capital.
Conclusion
NHL team abbreviations aren’t just three letters; they’re like little symbols of each team’s cool history and vibe. Knowing what those codes stand for adds a fun twist to cheering for your team! So, next time you catch an NHL game or sport your team jersey, think about the story behind those three letters. It’s a neat little piece of the big tapestry of hockey history and fandom!
