I had every intention of making this a regular feature here but two factors contributed to it's being mothballed - notorious hockey hoodlum Billy Tibbetts leaving the league and the sad fact that I never had time to make it to a game. Well, that changed last Friday as I made the trek from Manhattan to Brooklyn to 'go to the Aces.'
It is a longer ride than at least I anticipated, as you take the 2 train all the way to it's end in Flatbush (an hour ride from midtown) and from there hop on a bus for a 10, 15 minute ride to the rink. But once you hop off of the bus, you can see how the Aces got their name: they play at a small entertainment complex at a small airfield - Floyd Bennett Field to be precise.
Walk in the main entrance and you could be walking into any community rink with kids running about, flashing lights of video games and other amusements and two sheets of ice tucked away behind double glass doors. The Aces have their ticket and merch sales on a couple of folding tables in the lobby and the staff was quite courteous and seemed genuinely happy to be there - quite the change from many of the drones milling about the Garden (season ticket reps excluded). Tickets were cheap - 20 bucks or less - and they give you a 'seat assignment' for the metal bleachers and a wristband to get in the door. The wristband was the only thing really needed as there were maybe a couple of hundred people there when I went so there were plenty of places to sit.
To generalize, the folks who came out for the Friday night game were just happy to be out for the night, seeing something exciting like a hockey game - they were not hockey fans. Not knowing any of the players, not really caring, I was one of (if not the loudest fan when I decided to pipe up. I was also the only one clapping for good penalty kills, of which the Aces had several.
They were facing the Jersey Rockhoppers, a team they clearly outclassed, and dominated much of the game until their starting goaltender got injured. The netminder, Eddie Neville, was ran into and fell awkwardly. He didn't get up. Emergency staff came out to attend to him and eventually players - including the opposition goaltender - helped carry Neville off the ice on a backboard to await an ambulance. When the game restarted Neville's backup didn't fare badly but the game was already well in hand so the forwards let up on the gas a little.
Don't get the low 'Single A' level fool you, these guys have skill. Former junior and NCAA grads, most every one showed some substance but they all had a major deficiency or two that kept them from advancing up the ranks. Several were quite skilled but way too small, the big guys had no skill, speedsters had no hands, many didn't have well developed hockey sense but each and every one worked their asses off. The effort was very impressive, as were some of the goals, the one fight and the play itself certainly had entertainment value.
That proved to be a very good thing as there wasn't much else - no mascot, a chuck-a-puck, the usual blaring arena music and hard-to-hear MC. Aces staff kept walking round handing out slips of paper to remind everyone of upcoming games, deals on tickets, an opportunity to dine with the players and something else I can't remember as after a while all of the flyers looked alike.
While the papers went in the circular file, I did buy a shirt, a puck and a player photo (Neville, since it appeared he was severely injured and I wanted to support the guy). There was a wide variety of shirt designs, which was nice but they had just one kind of hat and - as someone who wears hats daily and owns probably over a hundred ballcaps - the one that they offered was pitiful and ratty looking. The souvenir pucks were black practice pucks with a logo sticker slapped on. Both provided quite the contrast to the quality shirts, hoodies and jerseys that they were selling but I guess everyone has their own priorities.
And if you can make it out, I recommend that you do make it a priority - if not this season then next. The Aces clinched the regular season title in the four team league on the night that I went and from what I gleaned from a flyer, the playoffs are a three game championship series at the end of this month. There are talks of the league expanding for the fall and I, for one, would love to see it (especially if rumours of a Long Island team are true).
While the EPHL clearly lacks the grandeur of the NHL game, it localizes the sport and allows fans to get up close and personal. The players all realize this and sign autographs. After an Aces goal, the scorer went to the boards and high-fived a little kid through the glass. It is the small touches that make the game fun and the Aces were a good time. Highly recommended, even if they are featuring some old geezer this weekend ...
An Eye on the ECHL: Developing Hockey Talent
The ECHL, short for the East Coast Hockey League, often serves as a crucial stepping stone in the development of professional hockey players. While it might not have the same level of recognition as the NHL or even the AHL, the ECHL plays a vital role in nurturing talent, giving players a chance to refine their skills, and providing fans with exciting, accessible hockey. In this article, we'll explore the ECHL, its significance, and some frequently asked questions about this dynamic league.
The ECHL: A Brief Overview
The ECHL was founded in 1988 and is currently composed of 27 teams. It serves as a mid-level professional hockey league in North America, one step below the American Hockey League (AHL) and two steps below the National Hockey League (NHL). Teams in the ECHL are spread across the United States and Canada, offering a geographically diverse league for players and fans alike.
Developmental Importance
Player Development: The ECHL is often the first professional league that young prospects enter after their junior or college careers. It provides a bridge between amateur and higher-level professional hockey.
Goaltending Development: Developing goaltenders is a particularly essential aspect of the ECHL. Many NHL goaltenders, including Braden Holtby and Ben Bishop, honed their skills in this league before making it to the big stage.
Affiliation with NHL and AHL: Most ECHL teams have affiliations with NHL and AHL franchises, which allows for seamless player movement between leagues. This affiliation system is crucial for developing talent and providing injured NHL or AHL players with a place to recover and regain form.
Frequently Asked Questions About the ECHL
Is the ECHL a Minor League for the NHL?
Yes, the ECHL is considered a minor league in North American professional hockey. It serves as a stepping stone for players aspiring to reach the AHL or NHL.
How Do Affiliation Agreements Work?
NHL and AHL teams often enter affiliation agreements with ECHL teams. This allows them to assign their prospects to the ECHL for further development while maintaining control over their contracts.
What Are the Differences Between the ECHL and AHL/NHL?
The primary differences lie in skill level and resources. The ECHL generally features younger and less experienced players, while the AHL and NHL have more seasoned professionals. The NHL and AHL also have higher budgets, better facilities, and larger fan bases.
Do ECHL Players Ever Make It to the NHL?
Yes, many ECHL players have gone on to have successful NHL careers. While the path is challenging, players who perform well in the ECHL often get noticed and receive opportunities in higher leagues.
The ECHL Experience for Players and Fans
Player Lifestyle: ECHL players often have unique experiences. They might travel by bus, stay in modest accommodations, and play in smaller arenas compared to their NHL counterparts. This grassroots experience can be character-building.
Fan Engagement: ECHL games offer a more intimate and engaging fan experience. With smaller crowds, fans have better access to players and a closer view of the action. This can lead to a strong bond between the team and its community.
Exciting Hockey: ECHL games are known for their fast-paced, high-scoring nature. The focus is on entertainment, which often leads to thrilling matches and exciting plays that keep fans on the edge of their seats.
Success Stories from the ECHL
Several NHL players have risen from the ranks of the ECHL, proving that this league is a breeding ground for talent:
Jonathan Quick: The Stanley Cup-winning goaltender spent time with the Reading Royals in the ECHL before becoming an NHL star with the Los Angeles Kings.
Dustin Byfuglien: Byfuglien, known for his imposing presence on the ice, played for the Chicago Wolves in the AHL, which is closely affiliated with the ECHL. His AHL experience helped propel him to a successful NHL career.
Devan Dubnyk: Before becoming an established NHL goaltender, Dubnyk spent time with the Stockton Thunder in the ECHL. His journey showcases the potential for players to develop and eventually excel in the NHL.
The ECHL is often overlooked in the world of professional hockey, but it plays a crucial role in the development of players, particularly those aspiring to reach the NHL. With its exciting brand of hockey, accessibility to fans, and strong affiliation system with the AHL and NHL, the ECHL continues to be a valuable and integral part of the hockey ecosystem. It provides hope and opportunities for countless players, and its impact on the sport's growth and development cannot be overstated. Whether you're a devoted fan or a casual observer, keeping an eye on the ECHL is well worth it, as it showcases the future stars of the game and the relentless pursuit of the NHL dream.
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