2010 AHL Calder Cup Playoffs

Unless you are a big time hockey fan, you might not be aware of the Calder Cup Playoffs. They start every year around the same time as the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs, but since NHL is bigger and more mainstream, most mainstream sport fans don't really follow the Calder Cup Playoffs.

The Calder Cup playoffs are exciting and match the same intensity as the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Many great NHL players and coaches have won the Calder Cup. Like the Stanley Cup, the Calder Cup has its own rich tradition. The Calder Cup is the world's second oldest (behind the Stanley Cup) continuous professional ice hockey championship trophy. It is named after the National Hockey League's first president, Frank Calder. The Calder Cup was first awarded in 1937 to the Syracuse Stars.

In the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the MVP of the playoffs receives the Conn Smythe trophy. In the AHL Calder Cup playoffs, the MVP of the playoffs receives Jack A. Butterfield Trophy. It was first award in 1984. It is named after former AHL President & Treasurer Jack Butterfield.

To view a list of previous Calder Cup Champions, click here.

To view a list of Jack A. Butterfield (MVP Calder Cup Playoffs) winners, click here.

Hershey Bears: Back 2 Back Calder Cup Champions

All series are best out of 7

Eastern Conference

Atlantic Division Semifinals

Winners in blue

Worcester Sharks(4) vs Lowell Devils(1)

Portland Pirates(0) vs Manchester Monarchs(4)

East Division Semifinals

Winners in blue

Hershey Bears(4) vs Bridgeport Sound Tigers(1)

Albany River Rats(4) vs Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins(0)

Western Conference

North Division Semifinals

Winners in blue

Hamilton Bulldogs(4) vs Manitoba Moose(2)

Rochester Americans(3) vs Abbotsford Heat(4)

West Division Semifinals

Winners in blue

Chicago Wolves(4) vs Milwaukee Admirals(3)

Texas Stars(4) vs Rockford IceHogs(0)