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: 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