ECHL vs NIHL

How would you compare/contrast ECHL and NIHL?

The ECHL sits at a higher caliber than the NIHL which is the 2nd tier in the UK. Whereas the ECHL is the 3rd tier in North America (below the AHL/NHL), the NIHL sits below the EIHL and serves as a feeder and development league. There are a select number of top players in NIHL that could play in the ECHL, but most of the rosters here would not cut it at the ECHL level.

Our team + partners routinely scout matches in each respective league. Our insights come primarily from this.

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.

NIHL

The National Ice Hockey League (NIHL) is a semi-professional ice hockey league in the United Kingdom.

Location: North America

Location: United Kingdom

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 NIHL

The NIHL is the second highest level of ice hockey in the UK, sitting directly under the EIHL. The league operates as a semi-professional league with many local UK players and some top-tier imports mixed in.

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: NIHL

"Playing in the NIHL allowed me to gain valuable experience and showcase my abilities." – Sam Gospel

Number of Teams in ECHL: 28

Number of Teams in NIHL: 11

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 NIHL

The level of hockey isn't as high as the EIHL (top level), but there are some solid players across the league. Rosters are built up primarily with younger British players and some teams dedicate a portion of the clubs budget on bringing top imports over to greatly strengthen their teams and carry the load (veteran presence, point production, etc).