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.
ICEHL
ICEHL is the top-tier ice hockey league in Austria, with additional teams based in Italy, Hungary, and Slovenia.
Location: Italy, Austria, Hungary, Slovenia
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 ICEHL
ICEHL is professional hockey league in Central Europe that features teams across Austria, Hungary, Italy, and Slovenia. It's a highly competitive league with diverse talent both locally and from imports who play here.
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: ICEHL
"Playing in the ICEHL was amazing as an import. Teams treat players well, the cities are beautiful in this region, and fans here are some of the strongest supporters in European hockey. My family and I plan to stay here until I retire from hockey."
Number of Teams in ECHL: 28
Number of Teams in ICEHL: 13