East Coast Hockey League (ECHL)

The East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) is a professional minor league hockey organization in North America, serving as a development platform for players, coaches, and officials. Established in 1988, it features teams across the United States and Canada, operating below the National Hockey League (NHL) and American Hockey League (AHL) levels. The ECHL provides a competitive environment for emerging talent, with many players advancing to higher leagues. It emphasizes skill development, entertainment, and community engagement, making it a key component of North American professional hockey infrastructure.