ECHL vs USHL

How would you compare/contrast ECHL and USHL?

You can't really compare the coast as the USHL apples to apples as ones a pro league and the other the top Tier 1 jr league in the US. Some of the top USHL players will bypass the ECHL following NCAA, but a number later go on to play in the ECHL.

Our team has partners in both regions that scout matches here. This paired with conversations with ex-players, coaches, and staff gives us our insights.

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.

USHL

The USHL is the top junior ice hockey league in the United States. The league has helped produce hundreds of NHL and even more NCAA and professional players.

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 USHL

The USHL, a Tier I junior hockey league, features 16 teams across the middle of the United States. Founded back in 1947, the league today serves as a top developmental path to NCAA and pro hockey and is unanimously considered the top junior league in the US.

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: USHL

"Playing in the USHL played an instrumental role in my development on the ice and as a person. I credit much of my success later in NCAA and now pro to my years in junior."

Number of Teams in ECHL: 28

Number of Teams in USHL: 16

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 USHL

USHL rosters include many of the top junior players in the world. There's a reason it's the top junior tier in the United States. An impressive amount of USHL players go on to play NCAA on scholarships, the pros (ECHL/AHL/Europe), and eventually the NHL for the very best alumni. The USHL is their junior proving grounds to compete while developing their game for the next level. To be an import in the USHL, you also have to be a top level junior player prior to playing here.