The AHL is entering a new era. On Oct. 9, 2015, the 2015-16 season starts - and with it, the beginning of the newly formed AHL Pacific Division, featuring five teams in California, all affiliated with NHL Pacific Division teams.
The Stockton Heat's season starts on Oct. 10, at home against Rockford.
The Heat, along with the San Jose Barracuda, Bakersfield Condors, San Diego Gulls, and Ontario Reign will all play 68 games this season, while the rest of the league plays its standard 76. The San Antonio Rampage and Texas Stars - realigned to the Pacific Division, but not in California - still play their full 76-game season.