ECHL vs Alps Hockey League

How would you compare/contrast ECHL and Alps Hockey League?

The ECHL overall takes the slight edge over Alps Hockey League. This isn't a knock on AlpsHL at all, but just shows that they coast keeps getting stronger. Both leagues make for great places to play and many skilled players play in each league. Alps teams carry a number of top imports per each club and some of them have prior playing experience in the ECHL too.

Our partners scout each of these two leagues and have for many seasons. We've had a good number of players in each too whcih adds to our insights.

ECHL

The ECHL is a minor professional ice hockey league. It is North America's 3rd highest level of pro hockey sitting under the AHL and NHL.

Alps Hockey League

The Alps Hockey League is a regional professional hockey league in the south of Europe, with teams spread across Italy, Austria, Croatia, and Slovenia.

Location: North America

Location: Austria, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia

Skill Level in ECHL

The ECHL is the main AA professional ice hockey league in North America. As the 3rd highest level of pro ice hockey in North America, it sits directly under the AHL and above the SPHL. The far majority of ECHL clubs have direct affiliations with NHL clubs and it's a big development league for players aiming to move up the pro ranks to the AHL and NHL.

Skill Level in Alps Hockey League

Founded in 2016, the Alps Hockey League features teams across Italy, Austria, Croatia, and Slovenia. The level of hockey on the ice is high quality and off the ice, the majority of the leagues clubs continue to thrive and be financially stable.

Player Perspective: ECHL

"Playing in the Coast was important for my career coming out of college. My time grinding here in the league helped me further develop my game and to mature as I prepared for that next level of pro. That jump may not have been possible without my experience here."

Player Perspective: Alps Hockey League

"It’s a great league to play in. The import players that each team carries bring another level of experience and you know who they are on opposing rosters."

Number of Teams in ECHL: 28

Number of Teams in Alps Hockey League: 13

Caliber of Players and Imports in ECHL

Skill level of ECHL players is quite high, with the league only getting more skilled each year as more NHL/AHL clubs fill rosters here with up and coming prospects. A healthy percentage of ECHL rosters are filled with promising young players who have hopes to step up to the A and National league. You also have a number of seasoned veterans who possess many games in the ECHL, AHL, and a few who've had some cups of coffee in The Show (NHL). If you're undrafted and not a top major junior, NCAA, USports, or elite European player coming in, you'll have a tough time cracking a lineup here.