ECHL vs Czech Extraliga

How would you compare/contrast ECHL and Czech Extraliga?

Czech Extraliga is a little bit stronger when you're comparing these two head to head. Czech's top league isn't talked about as much as other top leagues in Europe, but teams here are of high caliber and the skill is top-notch. The ECHL is a skilled league too but overall, Czech Extraliga takes the slight edge.

Our team and partners scout both of these leagues. Our analysis comes from this on the ground insights and via talking with players.

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.

Czech Extraliga

The Czech Extraliga is the top pro ice hockey league in all of Czech Republic.

Location: North America

Location: Czech Republic

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 Czech Extraliga

The Czech Extraliga, founded in 1993, is well known in the region for its high skill level, passionate fan bases, and competitive environment from team to team.

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: Czech Extraliga

"Playing in Extraliga near home as a younger player helped me grow as a player and prepared me for the NHL."

Number of Teams in ECHL: 28

Number of Teams in Czech Extraliga: 14

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.

Caliber of Players and Imports in Czech Extraliga

The Czech Extraliga is full of players with top Czech talent as well as imports with proven track records in Europe or North America. Imports typically include former AHL/ECHL players or standout performers from other strong European hockey leagues.