American Professional Hockey Association (APHA)

The American Professional Hockey Association (APHA) was a professional ice hockey league that operated mainly in the United States during the early 1920s. It aimed to organize and promote high-level hockey outside of the more established leagues like the NHL. The APHA provided a platform for regional teams to compete for championships, helping to expand the sport’s popularity and professional opportunities. Although its existence was relatively brief, it played a role in the development of hockey in North America by fostering local talent and increasing the sport’s reach beyond traditional centers.