ECHL vs VHL

How would you compare/contrast ECHL and VHL?

It's hard to compare these two since these two leagues are situated so differently tier wise and location, but VHL is going to take the slightest of edges here as it's the primary farm league to the KHL which is one of the top leages globally outside of the NHL. There are many high end players in each league, but the skill/speed across the board game to game is a bit higher in Russia's 2nd league.

We've had partners who scout matches in both of these leagues. Prior players have also spent varying time in each league so we know some deep understanding on each.

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.

VHL

The VHL is Russia's second-tier professional ice hockey league, serving as the primary feeder league to the KHL at the pro level.

Location: North America

Location: Russia

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 VHL

The VHL serves as a feeder league to the KHL, featuring a few dozen teams and a high level of competition for players aspiring to the KHL. The bulk of players in the VHL are domestic players with a small subset of imports.

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: VHL

"The VHL gave me the experience I needed to transition to the professional game up to the KHL."

Number of Teams in ECHL: 28

Number of Teams in VHL: 29

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 VHL

The VHL rosters are filled with up and coming young Russian prospects as well as experienced veterans. Imports are much less common here, but the ones who play here must have strong resumes either in North American or European leagues prior to playing here in Russia.