Gulls' Judd Caulfield Nears First AHL Playoff Appearance

San Diego's top scorer looks to lead team to postseason for the first time

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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San Diego Gulls forward Judd Caulfield is nearing his first American Hockey League playoff appearance as his team makes a late-season push. The Gulls currently sit four points out of a playoff spot with 26 wins, 22 losses, 15 overtime losses, and 6 shootout losses on the season.

Why it matters

Making the playoffs would be a significant milestone for the 23-year-old Caulfield, who is in his second professional season after a standout college career. The Gulls have struggled to reach the postseason in recent years, so Caulfield's emergence as a top scorer could help propel the team to its first playoff berth since 2020.

The details

Caulfield, the Gulls' leading scorer this season, has emphasized the importance of the team's late-season push as they battle for a playoff spot. With just a few weeks remaining in the regular season, the Gulls need to make up ground on the teams ahead of them in the standings.

  • The Gulls play their next game on Wednesday, February 17, 2026 at 7 p.m. against the San Jose Barracuda.
  • The 2025-26 AHL regular season ends in early April 2026.

The players

Judd Caulfield

A 23-year-old forward for the San Diego Gulls who is the team's leading scorer this season as they push for their first AHL playoff berth since 2020.

San Diego Gulls

The American Hockey League (AHL) team based in San Diego, California that is currently four points out of a playoff spot with a 26-22-15-6-3 record on the season.

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What they’re saying

“Points are at a premium this time of this season, so we're making our push right now”

— Judd Caulfield

What’s next

The Gulls will need to continue their strong play over the final few weeks of the regular season to secure a playoff spot. Their next crucial game is on Wednesday against the San Jose Barracuda.

The takeaway

Judd Caulfield's breakout season has the San Diego Gulls on the verge of their first AHL playoff appearance since 2020, showcasing the team's resilience and the young forward's leadership as they make a late-season push for the postseason.