AMERICAN FRONTIER HOCKEY LEAGUE HISTORY
1993 - 1997
The American Frontier Hockey League was formed in 1993 as an eight team league (Billings Bulls, Jackson Hole Grizzlies, Vail Avalanche, Pueblo Flames, Casper Wranglers, Pikes Peak Miners, Bismark Bullets and Odgen Blades).
In its second season, the league added the Great Falls Americans and the Helena Ice Pirates. However the league lost teams in Pikes Peak, Odgen and Bismark and the Pueblo franchise was renamed the Venom.
The third season was the Venom fold the the Casper franchise becoming the Central Wyoming Outlaws.
In it's fourth season, Vail moved to become the Butte Fighting Irish and the league added the Bozeman Ice Dogs to become a seven team league.
In 1997, the league was renamed the American West Hockey League.