The America West Hockey League (AWHL) was a junior ice hockey league. The AWHL was formed in 1992 to offer junior ice hockey to the Rocky Mountain region of USA Hockey. It originally was called the American Frontier Hockey League (AFHL), and the name change to AWHL came in 1998. The AWHL merged with the NAHL in 2003 and after the merger, the NAHL name was kept.
In the Summer of 2011, a new league, the American West Hockey League, was formed in the same region as the former AWHL. The new AWHL features 6 teams, including Billings, Bozeman, Great Falls, and Helena.
Central Wyoming Outlaws → (during AFHL days) defunct
Billings Bulls → currently in the new AWHL
Bismarck Bobcats - currently in NAHL.
Bozeman ICEDOGS → defunct, final season 2005-2006, a NORPAC team formerly known as the Bozeman Blackhawks is now playing under the Icedogs name
Alaska Avalanche - currently in NAHL (formerly Wasilla (AK) Spirit, and Springfield (MO) Spirit)
Central Texas Blackhawks - defunct, played final season as Central Texas Marshals in 2003-04.
Fairbanks Ice Dogs - currently playing in NAHL.
Fernie Ghostriders → now play in the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League
Great Falls Americans → not the same as the defunct WHL team of the same name
Helena Bighorns → currently in the new AWHL. Merged with NORPAC's Queen City Cutthroats in 2006, keeping Bighorns identity.
Helena Ice PiratesAFHL & AWHL, Helena Harleys Helena Gold Rush switch ownership in 1999 (Harleys never played a game.)
Lone Star Cavalry - played one season in 2003-04, moved to Santa Fe (RoadRunners) from 2004-2007, then to Topeka KS. Currently in NAHL.
Tupelo T-Rex → moved into South East Hockey League, which is now defunct
Wichita Falls Rustlers - currently in NAHL, renamed Wildcats after sale in 2004.
Kimberley Dynamiters → now play in the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League
Minot Muskies → defunct, only season 2000-2001
Butte Irish → defunct, final season 2001-2002. Protected list awarded to expansion Wichita Falls Rustlers.
Pueblo Flames → (during AFHL days) 1993-1994
Pueblo Venom → (during AFHL days) 1994-1995
Vail Avalanche → (during AFHL days) 1993-1996. Relocated to Butte, MT as Butte Fighting Irish in 1996.
Pikes Peak Miners → (during AFHL days) 1993-1994
Casper Wranglers → (during AFHL days) 1993-1995
Jackson Hole Grizzlies → (during AFHL days) 1993-1997