ECHL vs Swiss League

How would you compare/contrast ECHL and Swiss League?

The ECHL and Swiss League are very different leagues, but they're not too dissimilar in terms of overall level. The coast is a slightly tougher grinding league where Swiss League is more skilled/elegant, but both have many high quality players and up and comers who continue to hone their game in each of these leagues.

Our team scouts both of these leagues in different regions. We've also had a number of players who've played in each league respectively.

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.

Swiss League

The Swiss League is the second-tier professional ice hockey league in Switzerland, focusing on developing local talent and providing competitive play.

Location: North America

Location: Switzerland

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 Swiss League

The Swiss League serves as Switzerland’s second-tier hockey league, featuring 10 teams. It emphasizes player development and provides opportunities for promotion.

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: Swiss League

"Playing in the Swiss League was an important step in my career prior to the NHL. As a younger player still developing, it prepared me for top-level competition with much older and experienced players."

Number of Teams in ECHL: 28

Number of Teams in Swiss League: 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.