ECHL vs PHL (Polish Hockey League)

How would you compare/contrast ECHL and PHL (Polish Hockey League)?

These leagues are very different in styles, but they're pretty similar level wise today. The ECHL is getting younger and quicker with NHL affiliations and rules. PHL top clubs have shown in cross border Champions Hockey League matches that they can fare well against some top league clubs (ex: SHL, DEL opponents) which gives us confidence that they would fare quite well. Many clubs in the PHL today look for North American imports with playing experience in the ECHL which shows how the levels compare.

ECHL vs PHL (Polish Hockey League) comparison

Our team and partners regular scout games in each of these leagues. Alongside partners previously playing in these leagues, we also have regular conversations with players in the leagues currently.

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.

PHL (Polish Hockey League)

The Polska Hokej Liga (PHL) is the top professional ice hockey league in Poland, featuring the nation's top hockey clubs and players.

Location: North America

Location: Poland

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 PHL

The PHL (Polska Hokej Liga- Polish Hockey League) is Poland’s top hockey league. The league continues to grow steadily in quality each year in big part by attracting more international imports across many clubs.

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: PHL

"As an import, Poland was a good place for me to begin playing overseas. The training over here reminds me a bit of that Eastern bloc style in that you train super hard in the gym and on the ice, but you get in real good hockey shape conditioning wise quick. The fans here will chant all game. They have a drum guy, coordinated chants, and a few of the ultras will light up flares in the supporter section sometimes. It's wild in a good way!"

Number of Teams in ECHL: 28

Number of Teams in PHL: 9

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.