ECHL Hall Of Fame

History

2007-08

Elmira (New York) granted expansion membership and Toledo granted voluntary suspension while new arena is built. Long Beach membership is terminated. Mississippi returns after missing two seasons in aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, making ECHL a 25-team league.

Teams are divided into American Conference and National Conference. American Conference has North Division and South Division. National Conference has Pacific Division and West Division. North Division has Cincinnati, Dayton, Elmira, Johnstown, Reading, Trenton and Wheeling. South Division has Augusta, Charlotte, Columbia, Florida, Gwinnett, Mississippi, Pensacola, South Carolina and Texas. Pacific Division has Bakersfield, Fresno, Las Vegas and Stockton. West Division has Alaska, Idaho, Phoenix, Utah and Victoria.

Teams will play a 72-game schedule.

Opening Day for the 20th Anniversary Season is Oct. 18 when the Johnstown Chiefs host the Wheeling Nailers at Cambria County War Memorial. The game is a rematch of Game 7 from the first-ever ECHL Finals played in front of a standing-room-only crowd at Cambria County War Memorial.

All-Star Game will be played in Stockton, Calif. on Jan. 23, 2008.

2006-07

Greenville membership terminated and San Diego voluntarily returns membership. Cincinnati and Texas return from voluntary suspension, making ECHL a 25-team league.

Teams are divided into American Conference and National Conference. American Conference has North Division and South Division. National Conference has Pacific Division and West Division. North Division has Cincinnati, Dayton, Johnstown, Reading, Toledo, Trenton and Wheeling. South Division has Augusta, Charlotte, Columbia, Florida, Gwinnett, Pensacola, South Carolina and Texas. Pacific Division has Bakersfield, Fresno, Las Vegas, Long Beach and Stockton. West Division has Alaska, Idaho, Phoenix, Utah and Victoria.

Teams played a 72-game schedule.

All-Star Game played in Boise, Idaho and televised in over 31 million homes including being shown live for sixth year in a row on The NHL Network and NHL Center Ice.

For the seventh consecutive year the ECHL is represented on the Stanley Cup Champion with Anaheim assistant coach Dave Farrish, players Francois Beauchemin and George Parros and broadcasters John Ahlers and Steve Carroll. It is the second year in a row that a former ECHL coach is part of the NHL champion and the third consecutive year that there is more than one former ECHL player on the winning team. Farrish becomes the second former ECHL coach to have his name engraved on the historic trophy while Beauchemin and Parros are the 12th and 13th former ECHL players to have their name on the Stanley Cup.

2005-06

Atlantic City transferred to Stockton and renamed Stockton Thunder, Bloomington transferred to Phoenix and renamed Phoenix RoadRunners and Lexington transferred to West Valley City and renamed Utah Grizzlies. Pee Dee granted voluntary suspension while Peoria joins American Hockey League. Mississippi forced to cancel season because of Hurricane Katrina and Texas forced to cancel season because of Hurricane Rita, making ECHL a 25-team league.

Teams are divided into American Conference and National Conference. American Conference has North Division and South Division. National Conference has Pacific Division and West Division. North Division has Dayton, Johnstown, Reading, Toledo, Trenton and Wheeling. South Division has Augusta, Charlotte, Columbia, Florida, Greenville, Gwinnett, Pensacola and South Carolina. Pacific Division has Bakersfield, Fresno, Long Beach, San Diego and Stockton. West Division has Alaska, Idaho, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Utah and Victoria.

Teams played a 72-game schedule.

All-Star Game played in Fresno, Calif. and broadcast nationally on OLN.

Former Charlotte defenseman David Liffiton becomes 300th player to play in the National Hockey League after playing in the ECHL when he made his debut with the New York Rangers on Apr. 11.

Alaska Aces become second team in league history to win regular season championship and postseason championship in same season.

Former Wheeling coach Peter Laviolette becomes first ECHL coach to have his name engraved on Stanley Cup as head coach of Carolina Hurricanes while Chad LaRose and Andrew Hutchinson bring total number of former ECHL players on historic trophy to 11. Former Johnstown athletic trainer Chris Stewart also has name engraved.

2004-05

Baton Rouge transferred to Victoria and renamed Victoria Salmon Kings. Florence Pride changed name to Pee Dee Pride. Cincinnati and Columbus granted voluntary suspension and memberships in Greensboro, Louisiana and Roanoke are terminated while Richmond voluntarily returns its membership, making ECHL a 28-team league.

Teams are divided into American Conference and National Conference. American Conference has East Division and South Division. National Conference has North Division and West Division. East Division has Augusta, Charlotte, Columbia, Greenville, Pee Dee and South Carolina. South Division has Florida, Gwinnett, Louisiana, Mississippi, Pensacola and Texas. North Division has Atlantic City, Dayton, Johnstown, Peoria, Reading, Toledo, Trenton and Wheeling. West Division has Alaska, Bakersfield, Fresno, Idaho, Las Vegas, Long Beach, San Diego and Victoria.

Teams played a 72-game schedule.

American Conference champion will receive E.A. “Bud” Gingher Memorial Trophy.

National Conference champion will receive Bruce Taylor Trophy.

League announces referees and linesmen will wear numbers.

League welcomed 50 millionth fan on Mar. 11 when Carol Stewart of Biloxi, Miss. attended her first hockey game ever at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum.

Scott Gomez played for the Alaska Aces in his hometown of Anchorage during the NHL lockout and won league scoring title and was named Most Valuable Player.

2003-04

Huntington transferred to Beaumont and renamed Texas Wildcatters and Mobile transferred to Duluth and renamed Gwinnett Gladiators. Pee Dee Pride changed name to Florence Pride and Arkansas returned ECHL membership.

ECHL expands into western United States with the addition of expansion members Alaska Aces, Bakersfield Condors, Fresno Falcons, Idaho Steelheads, Las Vegas Wranglers, Long Beach Ice Dogs and San Diego Gulls, making ECHL a 31-team league that has a national presence.

Teams are divided into Eastern Conference and Western Conference. Eastern Conference has Northern Division and Southern Division. Western Conference has Central Division and Pacific Division. Northern Division has Atlantic City, Cincinnati, Dayton, Johnstown, Peoria, Reading, Toledo, Trenton and Wheeling. Southern Division has Charlotte, Columbia, Florence, Florida, Greensboro, Greenville, Roanoke and South Carolina. Central Division has Augusta, Columbus, Gwinnett, Louisiana, Mississippi, Pensacola and Texas. Pacific Division has Alaska, Bakersfield, Fresno, Idaho, Las Vegas, Long Beach and San Diego.

Teams played a 72-game schedule.

ECHL is first professional league in North America to mandate protective visors.

Eastern Conference champion will receive E.A. “Bud” Gingher Memorial Trophy.

Western Conference champion will receive Bruce Taylor Trophy.

ECHL Coach of the Year will receive the John Brophy Award

Las Vegas Wranglers host Bakersfield Condors in first-ever “Midnight Madness” game in professional hockey history.

League announces that, beginning in 2004-05, The Hockey Company will be the primary equipment supplier for players and officials.

Former Atlantic City goaltender Matt Yeats becomes 250th player to play in the National Hockey League after playing in the ECHL when he made his debut with the Washington Capitals on Mar. 23.

Former Trenton left wing Ruslan Fedotenko, former Richmond defenseman Nolan Pratt and former Charlotte left wing Andre Roy bring the number of former ECHL players who have their name engraved on the Stanley Cup to nine as members of Tampa Bay Lightning. Pratt becomes first former ECHL player to have his name engraved twice. Former Johnstown radio announcer Dave Mishkin and former Johnstown equipment manager Dana Heinze also get names engraved.

2002-03

Macon transferred to Lexington and renamed Lexington Men O’ War. Mobile and New Orleans granted voluntary suspension, making ECHL a 27-team league.

Lexington joins Northwest Division.

Teams played a 72-game schedule.

Brian McKenna named President/CEO.

Former Johnstown center Brett McLean becomes 200th player to play in the National Hockey League after playing in the ECHL when he made his debut with the Chicago Blackhawks on Dec. 10.

League name changed from East Coast Hockey League to ECHL on May 19.

Former Cincinnati goaltender Corey Schwab becomes sixth former ECHL player to have name engraved on Stanley Cup as member of New Jersey Devils.

2001-02

Birmingham transferred to Atlantic City and renamed Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies. Miami transferred to Cincinnati and renamed Cincinnati Cyclones. Hampton Roads transferred to Columbus, Georgia and renamed Columbus Cottonmouths. Tallahassee relocated to Macon and renamed Macon Whoopee. Columbus, Ohio transferred to Reading and renamed Reading Royals. Columbia Inferno added, making ECHL a 29-team league.

Atlantic City and Reading join Northeast Division. Cincinnati joins Northwest Division. Columbia, Columbus and Macon join the Southeast Division.

Teams played a 72-game schedule.

Former Richmond goaltender Manny Legace becomes fifth former ECHL player to have name engraved on Stanley Cup as member of Detroit Red Wings.

2000-01

Hampton Roads, Huntington and Jacksonville granted voluntary suspension, making ECHL a 25-team league. Teams played a 72-game schedule.

Former Chesapeake and Wheeling goaltender David Aebischer and Richmond defenseman Nolan Pratt become third and fourth former ECHL players to have name engraved on Stanley Cup as members of Colorado Avalanche. First time multiple ECHL players have been on Stanley Cup champion.

1999-2000

Chesapeake transferred to Jackson and renamed Jackson Bandits. Columbus and Miami granted voluntary suspension. Arkansas RiverBlades, Greensboro Generals and Trenton Titans added, making ECHL a 28-team league. Arkansas and Jackson join Southwest Division. Greensboro and Trenton join Northeast Division. Charlotte moved from Southeast Division to Northeast Division. Johnstown moved from Northeast Division to Northwest Division. Tallahassee moved from Southwest Division to Southeast Division.

Teams played 70-game schedule.

Former Raleigh left wing Krzysztof Oliwa becomes second former ECHL player to have name engraved on Stanley Cup as member of New Jersey Devils.

NHL awards former Hampton Roads goaltender Olaf Kolzig the Vezina Trophy.

1998-99

Raleigh transferred to Augusta and renamed Augusta Lynx. Louisville transferred to Miami and renamed Miami Matadors. Florida Everblades and Greenville Grrrowl added, making ECHL a 27-team league.

Augusta, Florida, Greenville and Miami join Southeast Division.

All-Star Game played in Biloxi, Mississippi and televised nationally on ESPN2.

Teams played a 70-game schedule.

1997-98

Knoxville transferred to Florence and renamed Pee Dee Pride. Chesapeake Icebreakers and New Orleans Brass added, making ECHL a 25-team league.

Teams divided into two conferences with two divisions in each conference. Northern Conference has Northeast Division and Northwest Division and Southern Conference has Southeast Division and Southwest Division. Northeast Division has Chesapeake, Hampton Roads, Johnstown, Richmond, Roanoke and Wheeling. Northwest Division has Columbus, Dayton, Huntington, Louisville, Peoria and Toledo. Southeast Division has Charlotte, Jacksonville, Pee Dee, Raleigh, South Carolina and Tallahassee. Southwest Division has Baton Rouge, Birmingham, Louisiana, Mississippi, Mobile, New Orleans and Pensacola. Teams played a 70-game schedule.

Rookie of the Year will receive the John A. Daley Memorial Trophy.

NHL awards former Richmond goaltender Jamie McLennan the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy.

1996-97

Erie transferred to Baton Rouge and renamed Baton Rouge Kingfish. Nashville transferred to Pensacola and renamed Pensacola Ice Pilots. Mississippi Sea Wolves and Peoria Rivermen added, making ECHL a 23-team league. Wheeling Thunderbirds change name to Wheeling Nailers.

Baton Rouge, Mississippi and Pensacola join South Division and Peoria joins North Division.

Teams played 70-game schedule.

Louisiana IceGators become first team in league history to draw more than 400,000 fans with 400,185.

ECHL surpasses four million mark in attendance for first time with 4,244,656.

South Carolina Stingrays become first team in league history to win regular season championship and postseason championship in same season.

Patrick J. Kelly Cup replaces Jack Riley Cup as trophy awarded to postseason champion.

Patrick J. Kelly named Commissioner Emeritus.

1995-96

Louisville IceHawks transferred to Jacksonville and renamed Jacksonville Lizard Kings. Greensboro Monarchs return ECHL membership and join American Hockey League. Louisiana IceGators, Louisville RiverFrogs and Mobile Mysticks added, making ECHL a 21-team league.

Louisiana, Jacksonville and Mobile join South Division and Louisville joins North Division.

Teams played 70-game schedule.

Pat Pylypuik named general manager in Toledo, becoming the youngest GM in professional hockey history at 25 years old.

League web site launched.

League office relocated from Charlotte, N.C. to Princeton, N.J.

League launches ECHL Properties, the licensing and marketing arm of the ECHL.

League unveils new logo designed by NHL Enterprises, Inc. and announces national licensing program with NHL.

League executes its first Collective Bargaining Agreement with Professional Hockey Players’ Association.

1994-95

Huntsville transferred to Tallahassee and renamed Tallahassee Tiger Sharks. Louisville is granted a voluntary suspension for 1994-95, making ECHL an 18-team league.

Teams divided into three divisions. East Division has Charlotte, Greensboro, Hampton Roads, Raleigh, Richmond and Roanoke. North Division has Columbus, Dayton, Erie, Johnstown, Toledo and Wheeling. South Division has Birmingham, Huntington, Knoxville, Nashville, South Carolina and Tallahassee.

Teams played a 68-game schedule.

Manon Rheaume and Erin Whitten, the first two women in professional hockey, record their first wins. Former Cincinnati defenseman Kevin Dean became first ECHL player to have name engraved on Stanley Cup as member of New Jersey Devils.

Richard W. Adams named President/CEO on June 1, 1995.

1993-94

Charlotte Checkers, Huntington Blizzard, Roanoke Express and South Carolina Stingrays added, making the ECHL a 19-team league. Roanoke Valley transferred to Huntsville and named Huntsville Blast.

Teams divided into three divisions. East Division has Charlotte, Greensboro, Hampton Roads, Raleigh, Richmond, Roanoke and South Carolina. North Division has Columbus, Dayton, Erie, Johnstown, Toledo and Wheeling. West Division has Birmingham, Huntington, Huntsville, Knoxville, Louisville and Nashville.

Teams played a 68-game schedule.

1992-93

Cincinnati Cyclones transferred to Birmingham and renamed Birmingham Bulls. Winston-Salem Thunderbirds transferred to Wheeling and renamed Wheeling Thunderbirds. Roanoke Valley Rebels changed named to Roanoke Valley Rampage. Teams played a 64-game schedule.

Birmingham and Hampton Roads play the longest shootout game in ECHL history on Oct. 16, 1992. Birmingham’s 21st shooter scores to give Bulls 7-6 win.

First All-Star Game is played on Feb. 2, 1993 in Wheeling, W.Va.

Columbus (Ohio) Chill sells out all 32 home games and will sell out all 32 home games in 1993-94 en route to minor league hockey record streak of 83 consecutive sellouts.

1991-92

Columbus Chill, Dayton Bombers, Raleigh IceCaps and Toledo Storm added, making the ECHL a 15-team league. These teams join the East Division.

Teams played a 64-game schedule.

1990-91

Cincinnati Cyclones, Louisville IceHawks and Richmond Renegades added, making the ECHL an 11-team league. Virginia Lancers renamed Roanoke Valley Rebels.

Teams divided into two divisions. East Division has Cincinnati, Greensboro, Knoxville, Louisville, Nashville and Winston-Salem. West Division has Erie, Hampton Roads, Johnstown, Richmond and Roanoke Valley.

League surpasses one million in attendance for first time.

Teams played 64-game schedule.

1989-90

Greensboro Monarchs, Hampton Roads Admirals and Nashville Knights added, making the ECHL an eight-team league. Carolina Thunderbirds renamed Winston-Salem Thunderbirds.

Teams played 60-game schedule.

Scott Gordon becomes first player to play in the National Hockey League after playing in the ECHL taking the ice for the Quebec Nordiques on Jan. 30, 1990.

Brian Martin of Hampton Roads becomes first player in professional hockey history to score three goals in three consecutive games.

1988-89

East Coast Hockey League formed with the Carolina Thunderbirds, Erie Panthers, Johnstown Chiefs, Knoxville Cherokees and Virginia Lancers. Johnstown Chiefs and Virginia Lancers, both owned by Henry Brabham, and the Carolina Thunderbirds, owned by Bill Coffey, came from the All-American Hockey League which had four teams disband before playoffs in spring of 1988. Bill Coffey sold Carolina Thunderbirds to John Baker. Henry Brabham secured team in Erie and Brabham with Bill Coffey established team in Knoxville. Official logo has the letters ECHL and five hockey sticks to represent the original five members. Patrick J. Kelly is named first Commissioner of East Coast Hockey League. Kelly is also manager of the Lancerlot Sports Complex in Vinton, Va., home of the Virginia Lancers. Commissioner Patrick J. Kelly suspends three Carolina Thunderbirds players prior to Game 7 of the Riley Cup Finals. Teams played 60-game schedule. Henry Brabham Cup presented to regular season champion. Jack Riley Cup presented to postseason champion.