ECHL vs Erste Liga

How would you compare/contrast ECHL and Erste Liga?

The ECHL is little bit stronger than Erste Liga, especially in comparison to the lower half of teams in Erste. Many Erste Liga clubs have a couple select imports that are highly skilled, but the speed of hockey, caliber, and depth across rosters from the top to the bottom is higher in the coast.

Our team has scouted each of these two leagues for many years. Our insights come primarily from this as well as talking with staff/players here.

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.

Erste Liga

Erste Liga is the top professional ice hockey league in Hungary and Romania.

Location: North America

Location: Hungary, Romania

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 Erste Liga

Erste Liga is the top ice hockey league in Hungary and Romania with teams spread across each country. The league offers a competitive level for both national players and imports alike who strengthen rosters. The league was previously called MOL Liga.

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: Erste Liga

"I didn't know what to expect when I came over t Hungary the first time from the US, but the league was a great place to play. Fans here are passionate and the different arenas can be exciting."

Number of Teams in ECHL: 28

Number of Teams in Erste Liga: 10

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 Erste Liga

Teams generally carry a large number of top local players. Many teams will also carry several experienced imports with experience playing collegiate hockey (NCAA, USports), pro (ECHL), or the European equivalent at the pro level. These players are expected to contribute heavily to the teams success and help add strength to the league overall.