An Eye On The E

I will try to keep this a regular feature where I check in with the fortunes of the Brooklyn Aces and the Eastern Professional Hockey League. After telling you who they are, and giving a season-starting update, here is the first edition of "An Eye On The E" - a quick update with game info based on the box scores (unless I actually make it out to a game this season):

There was one midweek game and in it, Brooklyn beat Danbury 6-4 despite being outshot 39-29. Six different players scored for the Aces, who played two men short after a brawl midway through the first period (I woulda liked to have seen that). Mad Hatter Billy "Hard Time" Tibbetts led all skaters with seven shots but didn't score. He had one assist and amazingly managed to stay out of the penalty box. Listed attendance was 838 at the Danbury Arena.

A bigger crowd of 1,339 turned out Saturday in Connecticut. Hard Time was named the first star after collecting two assists in the Mad Hatters 6-4 win over the Hudson Valley Bears. Igor Karlov, a former Russian league player, had a goal and two assists for Danbury while Chris Seifert, who played with Elmira (ECHL) last year, put up two goals and an assist in the losing effort. The Corner of Section 420 and Glendale has a first-hand account of the game.

Meanwhile, Nick Niedert put on a goaltending clinic in Brooklyn. He stopped 60 shots to give the Jersey Rockhoppers a 3-2 win over the Aces. For that, the diminutive (5'8) netminder and former Pensacola Pilot was called up to the Reading Royals today. James Brannigan, who also saw time in the ECHL, put nine shots on Niedert and got just one past him. Aces Over Brooklyn has the game story. Both Brooklyn goals were with the man advantage so that goes to show just how good Niedert was, and over 1,600 fans were able to watch his stellar performance at Aviator Sports.

This week has two games at Aviator. On Friday the Aces play the Bears and on Saturday they face the Mad Hatters. Also on Saturday the Rockhoppers will visit Newburgh to play the Bears. Looking forward, Ranger fans will be interested to see fan favourite Nickie Fotiu guesting as an assistant coach with the Aces as they take on the Rockhoppers on November 21st.

An Eye on the E: The ECHL's Impact on Hockey Development

The ECHL, short for the East Coast Hockey League, often referred to as the "E," may not garner the same level of attention as the NHL or even the AHL (American Hockey League), but it plays a significant role in the development of hockey talent. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the ECHL, its history, its impact on player development, and answer some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about this lesser-known but essential league.

I. The ECHL: A Brief Overview

The ECHL was founded in 1988 as a mid-level professional hockey league in North America. Originally established as the East Coast Hockey League, it expanded over the years and is no longer confined to the East Coast, with teams located across the United States and Canada. The ECHL serves as a crucial stepping stone for players on their way to the AHL and, ultimately, the NHL.

II. Player Development

• A Crucial Pathway: For many young hockey players, the ECHL is the first professional league they join after college or junior hockey. It provides them with an opportunity to gain valuable experience and develop their skills at a higher level of competition.

• Goaltender Factory: The ECHL is known for producing talented goaltenders. Many NHL goaltenders, such as Jonathan Quick and Ben Bishop, began their professional careers in the ECHL. The league's high shot volume and demanding schedule test goaltenders' abilities and help them prepare for the NHL.

• Developing Prospects: NHL teams often assign their prospects to ECHL teams to continue their development. These young players can log significant ice time and gain confidence, which is essential for their growth.

III. The Kelly Cup

The ECHL's championship trophy is known as the Kelly Cup, named after Patrick J. Kelly, the league's founding father. Winning the Kelly Cup is a significant achievement for ECHL teams and their players, and it represents the culmination of a season's worth of hard work and dedication.

IV. FAQs About the ECHL

Q1: Is the ECHL considered a minor league?

A1: Yes, the ECHL is considered a minor professional league, serving as a crucial step in player development on the path to the NHL.

Q2: How many teams are in the ECHL?

A2: The number of teams in the ECHL can vary from season to season, but there are typically around 25 to 30 teams in the league.

Q3: Do ECHL players earn a living wage?

A3: While ECHL player salaries are lower than those in the NHL or AHL, the league and the Professional Hockey Players' Association (PHPA) have been working together to improve player compensation and working conditions.

The ECHL, often operating quietly in the background of the hockey world, plays an essential role in developing talent for the NHL. It offers young players a platform to hone their skills, goaltenders a proving ground to showcase their abilities, and hockey enthusiasts a chance to witness the sport at a high level. As we continue to see ECHL alumni make their mark in the NHL, it's clear that this league will remain an integral part of the hockey development pipeline for years to come.