An Eye On The E

Shameless advertising for them, solely because I had a good time last week:

This week the EPHL crowns their inaugural Champion and all the games are at the Aviator Sports Complex, home of the Regular Season Champion Brooklyn Aces!

As a bonus for the playoffs the EPHL and the Brooklyn Aces have lowered the ticket prices as a thank you to the fans for their support the entire season.

Don’t miss the action this week of the best of 3 series!!!

Inaugural Championship game
(2) Jersey Rockhoppers Vs. (1)The Brooklyn Aces
Thursday, March, 23rd @ 7:30
Friday, March, 24th @ 7:30
Saturday, March 25th @7:30 (if necessary)

Tickets only $15 for adults (regularly $20) and $9 for kids

For your tickets call 718-758-7585 or 718-977-5930

 An Eye On The E - A Comprehensive Look at the ECHL

In the world of professional ice hockey, the ECHL, or East Coast Hockey League, often serves as a crucial developmental league. This lesser-known league plays a vital role in nurturing young talent, providing opportunities for aspiring players, and giving hockey fans exciting, high-level hockey action. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the ECHL, its history, structure, notable teams, and its importance in the broader context of North American hockey.

A Brief History of the ECHL

The ECHL was founded in 1988, evolving from the Atlantic Coast Hockey League (ACHL), which began play in 1982. Originally known as the East Coast Hockey League, it later rebranded as simply the ECHL to reflect its increasingly nationwide presence. Over the years, the league has expanded its reach, drawing teams from various regions in the United States and Canada.

Structure of the ECHL

The ECHL operates as a mid-level professional hockey league in North America, sitting one tier below the American Hockey League (AHL) and two tiers below the National Hockey League (NHL). Here are some key aspects of the league's structure:

Geographic Spread: The ECHL boasts a diverse group of teams, with franchises located in various states across the U.S. and a few in Canada. This wide geographic spread allows the league to reach fans in many regions.

Developmental Role: Many ECHL teams serve as affiliates of AHL or NHL clubs, making it an ideal league for developing young talent. Players can be assigned to ECHL teams to gain experience and hone their skills.

Regular Season: The ECHL regular season typically runs from October to April, with each team playing a set number of games. The regular season standings determine playoff eligibility.

Playoffs: The ECHL playoffs culminate in the Kelly Cup Finals, where the top teams from each conference compete for the league championship.

Promotional Events: ECHL teams often host promotional events to engage fans, such as themed nights, giveaways, and charity initiatives.

Notable Teams and Success Stories

While the ECHL may not be as high-profile as the AHL or NHL, it has produced its share of success stories and memorable moments:

Florida Everblades: The Everblades, based in Estero, Florida, are one of the league's most successful franchises. They consistently contend for the Kelly Cup and have a passionate fan base.

South Carolina Stingrays: The Stingrays, based in North Charleston, South Carolina, have won multiple championships and have a reputation for strong community involvement.

NHL Success: Numerous NHL players, including goaltender Ben Bishop and defenseman Mark Giordano, have spent time in the ECHL early in their careers before achieving success at the highest level.

FAQs About the ECHL

Is the ECHL affiliated with the NHL?

Yes, the ECHL maintains affiliations with several NHL teams, allowing for player assignments and call-ups.

How does the ECHL contribute to player development?

The league provides young players with a competitive environment to develop their skills and prepare for higher-level hockey. It's often a stepping stone to the AHL and NHL.

What is the significance of the Kelly Cup?

The Kelly Cup is the championship trophy of the ECHL, awarded to the league's playoff champion each season.

Do ECHL games attract large crowds?

Attendance varies by team and market, but many ECHL franchises have dedicated fan bases that turn out to support their local teams.

The ECHL's Role in North American Hockey

While the ECHL may not receive the same level of attention as its higher-tier counterparts, it plays a vital role in the overall landscape of North American hockey. Here are some ways in which the ECHL contributes to the sport:

Player Development: The ECHL provides a competitive environment for developing players, allowing them to progress through the ranks and potentially reach the NHL.

Fan Engagement: ECHL teams cultivate dedicated fan bases in smaller markets, contributing to the growth of hockey's popularity beyond traditional hockey cities.

Hockey Diversity: By expanding its presence into regions not typically associated with hockey, the ECHL contributes to the sport's diversity and inclusivity.

Community Impact: ECHL teams often engage with their local communities through outreach programs, charity work, and school initiatives.

The ECHL may not receive the same level of media attention as the NHL or AHL, but it plays a crucial role in the world of North American hockey. As a developmental league, it helps shape the future of the sport by nurturing young talent and providing opportunities for players to advance their careers. With its diverse group of teams and strong fan engagement, the ECHL continues to be a vital part of the hockey ecosystem, contributing to the sport's growth and appeal in various regions across North America.

 

An Eye On The E

A quick note: I forgot my camera so I didn't get any pictures (sorry) but Aces Over Brooklyn covers the team quite well and there is a lot of info and shots there. It truly shames the buggy EPHL home site in terms of quality to be sure.

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.

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.

EPHL Update updated

In the time since I introduced you to the Brooklyn Aces and the Eastern Professional Hockey League, there have been some significant changes. First off, the 'Single A' league lost two teams - the New Hampshire Freeze and the Rome Copper City Chiefs - and added the Hudson Valley Bears, who will split their games between Newburgh and Poughkeepsie, NY. With one less team, the schedule was re-written and cut to 50 games per team, which should make for some good rivalry hockey.

The rosters are set for the moment and, looking through them, three names leap out - Billy Tibbetts, Peter Ferraro and Phil Esposito. As reader Ryan Bouwens pointed out to me, the Ferraro that is in the EPHL is not the one that was a former Ranger. In the initial copy of this post, I saw a Ferraro from New York and immediately thought he was the distasteful person I dealt with in Binghamton - after all, it wouldn't surprise me to see him sink so far. However, Ryan thankfully pointed out that it was not the same sob so I dutifully made the fix. And, just fyi, there is Hall of Famer Phil Esposito, and there is EPHLer Phil Esposito - clearly two different people.

But there is only one Tibbetts, and he is worth the price of admission. You get to see an undisciplined psycho on the ice who also happened to have no discipline off of it either apparently - and that isn't a link to the story about his jail stay. Tibbetts has been given chance after chance after chance in hockey due to his pure skill and size but he was just too loose a cannon. But as Sean Avery said, we need villains and, judging by the comments here, Tibbetts should fit the bill for Danbury. For a league looking to delight fans, his lack of sanity should be great.

The rest of the players in the league are what I expected - some guys with Single A experience from the UHL, CHL, MAHL and SPHL and other guys just outta college trying to put off the real world. You may scoff, but they will work hard and probably put on a good show for a cheap ticket. Not that I am trying to sell people on going - I won't do that until I actually see a game - but I am a big fan of minor league hockey and hope that this league has some lasting power. The Danbury team looks like it is the most organized and if you want to root for them, the guys at the Corner of Section 420 and Glendale have been keeping close tabs. I wanted to keep up with the Aces but they never sent me press releases or anything. Oh well, I will still try to check out at least one game this season.

In case you are interested, here is their schedule at home, Aviator Sports in Brooklyn:

November 2008
# 5: Saturday 8th: Jersey @ Brooklyn (7:30pm)
# 6: Friday 14th: HudsonValley @ Brooklyn (7:30pm)
# 7: Saturday 15th: Danbury @ Brooklyn (7:30pm)
# 9: Friday 21st: Jersey @ Brooklyn (7:30pm)

December 2008
#21: Friday 12th: HudsonValley @ Brooklyn (7:30pm)
#24: Thursday 18th: Danbury @ Brooklyn (7:30pm)
#26: Saturday 20th: Jersey @ Brooklyn (7:30pm)
#28: Tuesday 23rd: Danbury @ Brooklyn (7:30pm)
#31: Saturday 27th: Danbury @ Brooklyn (2:00pm)

January 2009
#46: Thursday 15th: HudsonValley @ Brooklyn (7:30pm)
#47: Friday 16th: Jersey @ Brooklyn (7:30pm)
#49: Saturday 17th: Danbury @ Brooklyn (7:30pm)
#52: Friday 23rd: Jersey @ Brooklyn (7:30pm)
#55: Sunday 25th: Danbury @ Brooklyn (2:00pm)
#57: Thursday 29th: HudsonValley @ Brooklyn (7:30pm)

February 2009
#63: Saturday 7th: Jersey @ Brooklyn (7:30pm)
#65: Sunday 8th: Danbury @ Brooklyn (2:00pm)
#74: Friday 20th: Jersey @ Brooklyn (7:30pm)
#78: Sunday 22nd: HudsonValley @ Brooklyn (2:00pm)
#79: Thursday 26th: HudsonValley @ Brooklyn (7:30pm)

March 2009
#89: Friday 13th: Jersey @ Brooklyn (7:30pm)
#91: Saturday 14th: HudsonValley @ Brooklyn (7:30pm)
#94: Tuesday 17th: HudsonValley @ Brooklyn (7:30pm)
#96: Friday 20th: Danbury @ Brooklyn (7:30pm)
#98: Saturday 21st: Jersey @ Brooklyn (7:30pm)

You can get some more info on the league's website but just a warning, it is incomplete and buggy. The season started tonight with Brooklyn beating on Jersey and Hudson Valley edging out Danbury.

Brooklyn In Da House

Minor league hockey is coming to Brooklyn this fall in the form of the Aces of the new Eastern Professional Hockey League. The league is expected to be on par with the SPHL and the MAHL, which would make it 'single A.' These aren't guys who are going to grace the Garden ice anytime soon; they are players who didn't want to give up the game after college or juniors despite not having enough to make the show. They get paid to play (lucky bastards) and work hard to put on a good show for the fans.

The EPHL and the Aces websites are buggy as all hell and they never replied when I sent requests for more info on the team or employment but I was able to dig out some details. The league will mainly stick to the NHL's rule book with some exceptions: primarily a lessened instigator penalty (yeah fighting), no trapezoid, tag-up offsides and auto icings.

The Aces will be led by former junior coach Chris Firriolo, who will hold pro tryouts September 5–7. They will play at Aviator Sports, which appears to be a pain to get to via public transportation so beware. There are just four other teams in the league: the Danbury Mad Hatters, the Jersey Rockhoppers (who are based out of West Orange), the New Hampshire Freeze and the Rome Copper City Chiefs.

The schedule was just released and the season will start November 1st. Brooklyn's home opener will be on the 8th against New Hampshire (they play their first two on the road). Most games are on the weekends, and only five of the 25 home games conflict with the Rangers. Here is the full regular season home sked:

November 2008
# 7: Saturday 8th: New Hampshire @ Brooklyn (7:30pm)
# 9: Friday 14th: Jersey @ Brooklyn (7:30pm)
#10: Saturday 15th: Rome @ Brooklyn (7:30pm) - Rangers play Boston
#13: Friday 21st: Danbury @ Brooklyn (7:30pm)

December 2008
#29: Friday 12th: Rome @ Brooklyn (7:30pm)
#33: Thursday 18th: Jersey @ Brooklyn (7:30pm)
#36: Saturday 20th: Danbury @ Brooklyn (7:30pm)
#38: Tuesday 23rd: Rome @ Brooklyn (7:30pm) - Rangers play Caps
#42: Saturday 27th: Jersey @ Brooklyn (2:00pm) - Rangers play Devils at night

January 2009
#59: Thursday 15th: Rome @ Brooklyn (7:30pm)
#60: Friday 16th: Danbury @ Brooklyn (7:30pm)
#63: Saturday 17th: New Hampshire @ Brooklyn (7:30pm)
#66: Friday 23rd: Jersey @ Brooklyn (7:30pm)
#69: Sunday 25th: Danbury @ Brooklyn (2:00pm)
#71: Thursday 29th: New Hampshire @ Brooklyn (7:30pm)

February 2009
#80: Saturday 7th: Jersey @ Brooklyn (7:30pm)
#82: Sunday 8th: Danbury @ Brooklyn (2:00pm)
#92: Friday 20th: New Hampshire @ Brooklyn (7:30pm)
#96: Sunday 22nd: New Hampshire @ Brooklyn (2:00pm) - Rangers play Leafs at night
#97: Thursday 26th: Jersey @ Brooklyn (7:30pm)

March 2009
#112: Friday 13th: Rome @ Brooklyn (7:30pm)
#115: Saturday 14th: New Hampshire @ Brooklyn (7:30pm)
#117: Tuesday 17th: Rome @ Brooklyn (7:30pm)
#120: Friday 20th: Danbury @ Brooklyn (7:30pm)
#123: Saturday 22nd: New Hampshire @ Brooklyn (7:30pm) - Rangers play Senators

Being in a major market like Brooklyn, this team is sure to sell out most games as long as they do a little bit of marketing. They need to improve their website so fans can follow easier and it wouldn't take much to broadcast their games - at least on tape delay on MNN. If you clicked on the link to the coach, apparently he spoke at a press conference but it never saw the light of day to my knowledge. But before anything, the EPHL needs to make sure that the foundation that they are building is a solid one.

The MAHL seems to be getting their stuff together after having to abort last season. No one wants the kind of publicity that they got and the Aces would do well to hire upstanding citizens so they can survive here where others could not.

 "Brooklyn In Da House: The Arrival of the NHL in Kings County"

Brooklyn, known for its rich cultural diversity and vibrant neighborhoods, welcomed a new tenant in recent years—the National Hockey League (NHL). The arrival of the NHL in Kings County marked a significant moment in the league's history. In this article, we'll explore the story behind the NHL's expansion into Brooklyn, the challenges it faced, and the impact on both the league and the borough of Brooklyn.

Part 1: A New Home on Atlantic Avenue

1. The Barclays Center Era Begins

Discover how the Barclays Center, an arena primarily designed for basketball, became the new home for the NHL's New York Islanders.

2. Hockey in a Basketball Arena

Explore the unique challenges and adjustments made to accommodate hockey at the Barclays Center, including the infamous obstructed view seats.

Part 2: The Islanders' Brooklyn Adventure

3. Transitioning to Brooklyn

Learn about the New York Islanders' relocation from their long-time home at Nassau Coliseum to Brooklyn and the adjustments for players and fans alike.

4. A Quest for Success

Follow the Islanders' journey in Brooklyn as they aimed to establish themselves as a formidable force in the NHL, including memorable playoff runs.

Part 3: The Brooklyn Effect

5. Impact on the Borough

Examine the impact of having an NHL team in Brooklyn on the borough's culture, businesses, and the local community.

6. Brooklyn's Hockey Identity

Discover how hockey, a sport often associated with colder climates, found a place in the hearts of Brooklynites and contributed to the borough's identity.

Part 4: Challenges and Controversies

7. Obstructed Views and Fan Concerns

Discuss the controversies surrounding obstructed view seats at the Barclays Center and how it affected the fan experience.

8. Relocation Rumors

Explore the rumors and speculation surrounding the Islanders potentially leaving Brooklyn due to arena issues.

Part 5: FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Why did the New York Islanders move to Brooklyn?

The move to Brooklyn was driven by the desire for a more modern and financially sustainable arena, as Nassau Coliseum faced various challenges.

2. What were some of the challenges the Islanders faced at the Barclays Center?

Challenges included obstructed view seats, ice quality, and logistical issues related to sharing the arena with the NBA's Brooklyn Nets.

3. Did the Islanders ultimately stay in Brooklyn?

The Islanders returned to Nassau Coliseum for a period before eventually relocating to a new arena, UBS Arena, near Belmont Park.

The NHL's presence in Brooklyn left an indelible mark on both the league and the borough. While the Brooklyn experiment had its fair share of challenges and controversies, it also demonstrated the resilience of hockey fandom and the impact a sports team can have on a community.

Brooklyn's journey with the NHL serves as a testament to the power of sports to bring people together, spark local pride, and create lasting memories. Though the Islanders have moved to a new home, their time in Brooklyn will always be remembered as a unique chapter in the history of both the NHL and Kings County.