ECHL vs NAHL

How would you compare/contrast ECHL and NAHL?

We're making a comparison of a pro league and a jr league so it wouldn't be fair to do head to head. In comparison though, a number of high end NAHL players are at similar levels as lower end ECHL players are. As they mature (into college/pro), they may exceed that. In all, both leagues in their own right are quality.

Our team has scouted each of these leagues and continues to each season. We've also had former clients at these two differing levels and understand them well.

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.

NAHL

The NAHL is the top and only Tier II junior hockey league in the United States with several dozen teams spread out across the country.

Location: North America

Location: United States

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 NAHL

Founded in 1975, the NAHL today is considered to be the second strongest junior league in the United States (trailing only the USHL). The league has a reputation for producing numerous NCAA commitments each season. Alongside the few thousand players who've committed to NCAA over the decades, hundreds of alumni have made the jump to the professional ranks. A few dozen have made it to the NHL.

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: NAHL

"The NAHL gave me the opportuniy for collegiate programs to see my potential. I was a late bloomer in junior and the NAHL gave me that extra time to improve my game before moving up the the college level."

Number of Teams in ECHL: 28

Number of Teams in NAHL: 35

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 NAHL

The NAHL is a strong junior league and is one of the best junior leagues in terms of NCAA commitments coming out of the league. For US players, you need to be a top level junior player to make and keep on a roster here. For imports coming from another country, teams will be looking for players with strong experience coming into junior.