2008–09 ECHL season
Encyclopedia
The 2008-09 ECHL season
was the 21st of the ECHL
. The league welcomed one new franchise, the Ontario Reign
, which will relocate from Beaumont, Texas
and will play at the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, CA
. Two teams, the Columbia Inferno
and the Myrtle Beach Thunderboltz, will voluntary suspend operations for the season with plans on returning in the 2009-10 season. The Myrtle Beach franchise were originally planning to return to operations, but their home arena had not been completed in time for the Board of Governors Meeting during the All-Star Break
. The league announced that they were immediately terminating the Pensacola Ice Pilots
franchise, because the team's owners did not intend on fielding a team for the 2008-09 season or any season after that. The team was a founding member of the ECHL as the Nashville Knights and moved to Pensacola, Florida
after the 1995-96 season
.
The league also saw the return of the Fresno Falcons
to Selland Arena
, after the team spent its first five seasons in the ECHL at the Save Mart Center on the campus of California State University, Fresno
. However, this was short-lived, as Fresno joined the Augusta Lynx
in suspending operations during the month of December.
south to Florida
and from Mississippi
east to New Jersey
, and ten teams in the National Conference which stretches from Alaska
south to Arizona
.
suspended operations and voluntarily relinquished their membership to the league, in effect becoming the first team in the league's 21-year history to suspend midseason. Lynx owners stated that financial troubles and failed attempts to find additional investors were causes for the team to suspend operations. Dan Troutman, one of the team's owners, stated that he had asked the league to take over operations so the team could finish the season, but the move was voted down by the league's Board of Governors. The owners had also stated that attendance issues, in which Augusta has ranked no higher than 20th in the league the past three seasons, as the major reason for their financial problems as the team was successful in sponsorship issues.
On December 22, the Fresno Falcons
became the second team in twenty days to cease operations, as the league's Board of Governors voted unanimously to terminate the franchise after Fresno's ownership notifying the league that they were unable to continue the membership for financial reasons. Fresno Hockey Club, LLC., the team's ownership group, cited "overwhelming financial issues due to declining attendance and dwindling corporate sponsorships" as reasons the team did not continue to operate for the 2008-09 season. This move comes less than a year after the team signed a 20-year lease with Selland Arena
(starting with the 2008-09 season) and an agreement with the city of Fresno
in which the city invested $5 million into upgrades for hockey at Selland Arena, as long as the team would not be sold or moved without the direct approval from the city. A clause in the agreement, stated that the city could take over the team as a government agency if owners were unable to continue operations; however, the option was declined after it was determined that the hockey club would finish the season $500,000 under expenses. City officials have expressed interest in bringing the franchise back as early as the 2009-10 season, although ECHL Commissioner was less enthusiastic stating that "a great deal of damage had been done" and that the league would give a new ownership "nine to ten months of lead time to create a solid foundation." At the time of their folding, the Falcons were in first place of the Pacific Division and had the fifth best record in the ECHL.
Note: GP = Games played; W = Wins; L= Loses; OTL = Overtime loses; SOL = Shootout loses; GF = Goals for; GA = Goals against; PTS = Points; PCT = Winning percentage; Green shade = Clinched playoff spot; Blue shade = Clinched division; Red shade = team is eliminated from playoffs; (z) = Clinched home-ice advantage
* Augusta folded on December 3, 2008. Fresno folded on December 22, 2008.
American Conference
† Percentage of points earned is used to determine playoff seedings in the Southern Division due to unbalanced schedules, as Gwinnett played one more game than the other teams.
National Conference
† Percentage of points earned is used to determine playoff seedings in the Pacific Division due to unbalanced schedules, as Ontario and Las Vegas played one more game than Bakersfield and Stockton after the schedule was adjusted.
on January 21, 2009. The host club was the Reading Royals
. The American Conference defeated the National Conference 11-5, with Matthew Ford of Charlotte and Florida's
Kevin Baker
both scoring hat tricks to over come a 3-1 deficit after the 1st Period.
* Fresno's termination was announced on December 22, 2008, after ECHL All-Star voting had ended. As such, these players were voted as representatives of Fresno. Fallon's case is unique because he had moved to the American Conference. MacAulay joined head coach Matt Thomas at Stockton, in the National Conference
for the Calder Cup playoffs
.
At the Mid-Season Board of Governors Meeting in Reading, PA, during All-Star Game. two changes were announced for the playoff format due to Augusta and Fresno folding mid-season. In the National Conference, instead of the top four teams in each division making the playoffs, the top eight teams (of the nine in the conference) will make the playoffs; the fourth seed in the Pacific Division playoffs will be determined by the team with the better record between 4th place in the Pacific Division and 5th place in the Western Division. All seeding in the National Conference and in the American Conference's Southern Division will use percentage of points won because of an unbalanced number of games played caused by rescheduling (Points divided by Games, then divided by two).
Season (sports)
In an organized sports league, a season is the portion of one year in which regulated games of the sport are in session. For example, in Major League Baseball, one season lasts approximately from April 1 through October 1; in Association football, it is generally from August until May In an...
was the 21st of the ECHL
ECHL
The ECHL is a mid-level professional ice hockey league based in Princeton, New Jersey with teams scattered across the United States...
. The league welcomed one new franchise, the Ontario Reign
Ontario Reign
The Ontario Reign is a ice hockey team from Ontario, California that play in the ECHL. Their home arena is the Citizens Business Bank Arena. They are a minor league affiliate team of the Los Angeles Kings of the National Hockey League.-Team History:...
, which will relocate from Beaumont, Texas
Beaumont, Texas
Beaumont is a city in and county seat of Jefferson County, Texas, United States, within the Beaumont–Port Arthur Metropolitan Statistical Area. The city's population was 118,296 at the 2010 census. With Port Arthur and Orange, it forms the Golden Triangle, a major industrial area on the...
and will play at the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, CA
Ontario, California
Ontario is a city located in San Bernardino County, California, United States, 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. Located in the western part of the Inland Empire region, it lies just east of the Los Angeles county line and is part of the Greater Los Angeles Area...
. Two teams, the Columbia Inferno
Columbia Inferno
The Columbia Inferno are an ECHL team based in Columbia, South Carolina. The team is currently on voluntary suspension awaiting construction of a new arena in suburban Lexington County. They played their home games at the Carolina Coliseum. They planned on playing in a new arena during the...
and the Myrtle Beach Thunderboltz, will voluntary suspend operations for the season with plans on returning in the 2009-10 season. The Myrtle Beach franchise were originally planning to return to operations, but their home arena had not been completed in time for the Board of Governors Meeting during the All-Star Break
ECHL All-Star Game
The ECHL All-Star Game is an exhibition ice hockey game that traditionally marks the midway point of the ECHL's regular season, with many of the league's star players playing against each other. The starting lineup for the two teams, including the starting goaltender, is voted on by the coaches,...
. The league announced that they were immediately terminating the Pensacola Ice Pilots
Pensacola Ice Pilots
The Pensacola Ice Pilots were a minor league ice hockey team located in Pensacola, Florida. The team was previously affiliated with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Islanders , and the Chicago Blackhawks. They have also had a working agreement with the Houston Aeros of the...
franchise, because the team's owners did not intend on fielding a team for the 2008-09 season or any season after that. The team was a founding member of the ECHL as the Nashville Knights and moved to Pensacola, Florida
Pensacola, Florida
Pensacola is the westernmost city in the Florida Panhandle and the county seat of Escambia County, Florida, United States of America. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 56,255 and as of 2009, the estimated population was 53,752...
after the 1995-96 season
1995–96 ECHL season
The 1995-96 ECHL season was the eighth season of the ECHL. Before the season started, the Greensboro Monarchs franchise moved up to the American Hockey League and became the Carolina Monarchs...
.
The league also saw the return of the Fresno Falcons
Fresno Falcons
The Fresno Falcons are a defunct minor league hockey team. They were once members of the ECHL . They were located in Fresno, California.-Early history:...
to Selland Arena
Selland Arena
The Selland Arena is a multi-purpose arena built in 1966 that makes up part of a five-venue complex of the Fresno Convention and Entertainment Center in Fresno, California. It is named after former Fresno mayor Arthur L. Selland and has had over ten million people walk through its doors in its over...
, after the team spent its first five seasons in the ECHL at the Save Mart Center on the campus of California State University, Fresno
California State University, Fresno
California State University, Fresno, often referred to as Fresno State University and synonymously known in athletics as Fresno State , is one of the leading campuses of the California State University system, located at the northeast edge of Fresno, California, USA.The campus sits at the foot of...
. However, this was short-lived, as Fresno joined the Augusta Lynx
Augusta Lynx
The Augusta Lynx were a minor-league professional ice hockey team based in Augusta, Georgia. The Lynx played their home games at the James Brown Arena...
in suspending operations during the month of December.
League realignment
On June 23, the ECHL announced the new divisional alignment of its 23 franchises. The league saw three teams vacate the South Division of the American Conference shrinking the division from nine to six teams and added a franchise to the Pacific Division of the National Conference increasing the division total from four teams to five. There will be thirteen teams in the American Conference, which stretches from New YorkNew York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
south to Florida
Florida
Florida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it...
and from Mississippi
Mississippi
Mississippi is a U.S. state located in the Southern United States. Jackson is the state capital and largest city. The name of the state derives from the Mississippi River, which flows along its western boundary, whose name comes from the Ojibwe word misi-ziibi...
east to New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey is a state in the Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States. , its population was 8,791,894. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania and on the southwest by Delaware...
, and ten teams in the National Conference which stretches from Alaska
Alaska
Alaska is the largest state in the United States by area. It is situated in the northwest extremity of the North American continent, with Canada to the east, the Arctic Ocean to the north, and the Pacific Ocean to the west and south, with Russia further west across the Bering Strait...
south to Arizona
Arizona
Arizona ; is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States. It is also part of the western United States and the mountain west. The capital and largest city is Phoenix...
.
North Division
- Cincinnati CyclonesCincinnati CyclonesThe Cincinnati Cyclones are a professional hockey team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. The team is a member of the ECHL. Founded in 1990, the team first played their games in the Cincinnati Gardens and now play at U.S. Bank Arena....
- Dayton BombersDayton BombersThe Dayton Bombers were an ECHL ice hockey team located in Dayton, Ohio. The team most recently was in the North Division of the ECHL's American Conference....
- Elmira JackalsElmira JackalsThe Elmira Jackals are an ice hockey team that play in the ECHL. Their home games are played in First Arena in Elmira, New York and they refer to themselves as "the beasts of the east"...
- Johnstown ChiefsJohnstown ChiefsThe Johnstown Chiefs were a minor league ice hockey team located in Johnstown, Pennsylvania that played in the ECHL. The team was founded in 1988 in the All-American Hockey League, and moved to the East Coast Hockey League when that league was formed...
- Reading RoyalsReading RoyalsThe Reading Royals are a professional ice hockey team that currently plays in the ECHL. The team participates in the Atlantic Division of the ECHL's Eastern Conference. The Royals play their home games at the Sovereign Center located in downtown Reading, Pennsylvania...
- Trenton Devils
- Wheeling NailersWheeling NailersThe Wheeling Nailers are an ECHL ice hockey team based in Wheeling, West Virginia. They are the ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Montreal Canadiens of the NHL and the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and the Hamilton Bulldogs of the AHL....
South Division
- Augusta LynxAugusta LynxThe Augusta Lynx were a minor-league professional ice hockey team based in Augusta, Georgia. The Lynx played their home games at the James Brown Arena...
- Charlotte Checkers
- Florida EverbladesFlorida EverbladesThe Florida Everblades are an ECHL ice hockey team playing in the Southeast Division. The team is based in Estero, Florida and plays at Germain Arena . The team has existed since 1998...
- Gwinnett GladiatorsGwinnett GladiatorsThe Gwinnett Gladiators are a professional minor league ice hockey team based in Duluth, Georgia. The Gladiators play in the South Division of the ECHL's Eastern Conference. The Gladiators play their home games at the Arena at Gwinnett Center....
- Mississippi Sea WolvesMississippi Sea WolvesThe Mississippi Sea Wolves were a professional hockey team based in Biloxi, Mississippi and playing in the Mississippi Coast Coliseum. The Sea Wolves were members of the ECHL....
- South Carolina StingraysSouth Carolina StingraysThe South Carolina Stingrays are a professional minor league ice hockey team based in North Charleston, South Carolina. The Stingrays play in the South Division of the ECHL's Eastern Conference. They play their home games at the North Charleston Coliseum. The Carolina Ice Palace, also located in...
Pacific Division
- Bakersfield CondorsBakersfield CondorsThe Bakersfield Condors are a minor league ice hockey team based in Bakersfield, California. The team plays in the Pacific Division of the ECHL's Western Conference. The Condors join the Houston Aeros as an affiliate of the Minnesota Wild in the National Hockey League...
- Fresno FalconsFresno FalconsThe Fresno Falcons are a defunct minor league hockey team. They were once members of the ECHL . They were located in Fresno, California.-Early history:...
- Las Vegas WranglersLas Vegas WranglersThe Las Vegas Wranglers are a professional ice hockey team based in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Wranglers are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the ECHL...
- Ontario ReignOntario ReignThe Ontario Reign is a ice hockey team from Ontario, California that play in the ECHL. Their home arena is the Citizens Business Bank Arena. They are a minor league affiliate team of the Los Angeles Kings of the National Hockey League.-Team History:...
- Stockton ThunderStockton ThunderThe Stockton Thunder are a minor league professional ice hockey team from Stockton, California. The Thunder are a member of the ECHL, and began playing in the 2005–06 season. The Stockton Arena is their home ice, providing a capacity for 9,737 fans...
West Division
- Alaska Aces
- Idaho SteelheadsIdaho SteelheadsThe Idaho Steelheads are an American professional minor league ice hockey team based in Boise, Idaho. The team began playing in 1997 and has been a member of the ECHL since 2003....
- Phoenix RoadRunnersPhoenix RoadRunnersThe Phoenix RoadRunners were a minor league ice hockey team based in Phoenix, Arizona. They played in the ECHL, beginning in the 2005–2006 season and ceasing operations at the end of the 2008-2009 season...
- Utah GrizzliesUtah GrizzliesThe Utah Grizzlies are a professional ice hockey team in the ECHL. They play out of West Valley City, Utah, United States, with their home games at the Maverik Center.- Franchise history :...
- Victoria Salmon KingsVictoria Salmon KingsThe Victoria Salmon Kings were a professional ice hockey team based in Victoria, British Columbia. They were members of the Mountain Division of the Western Conference of the ECHL, debuting in the 2004–05 ECHL season and folding after the 2010–11 ECHL season as the Chilliwack Bruins WHL franchise...
Teams suspend operations in mid-season
On December 2, the Augusta LynxAugusta Lynx
The Augusta Lynx were a minor-league professional ice hockey team based in Augusta, Georgia. The Lynx played their home games at the James Brown Arena...
suspended operations and voluntarily relinquished their membership to the league, in effect becoming the first team in the league's 21-year history to suspend midseason. Lynx owners stated that financial troubles and failed attempts to find additional investors were causes for the team to suspend operations. Dan Troutman, one of the team's owners, stated that he had asked the league to take over operations so the team could finish the season, but the move was voted down by the league's Board of Governors. The owners had also stated that attendance issues, in which Augusta has ranked no higher than 20th in the league the past three seasons, as the major reason for their financial problems as the team was successful in sponsorship issues.
On December 22, the Fresno Falcons
Fresno Falcons
The Fresno Falcons are a defunct minor league hockey team. They were once members of the ECHL . They were located in Fresno, California.-Early history:...
became the second team in twenty days to cease operations, as the league's Board of Governors voted unanimously to terminate the franchise after Fresno's ownership notifying the league that they were unable to continue the membership for financial reasons. Fresno Hockey Club, LLC., the team's ownership group, cited "overwhelming financial issues due to declining attendance and dwindling corporate sponsorships" as reasons the team did not continue to operate for the 2008-09 season. This move comes less than a year after the team signed a 20-year lease with Selland Arena
Selland Arena
The Selland Arena is a multi-purpose arena built in 1966 that makes up part of a five-venue complex of the Fresno Convention and Entertainment Center in Fresno, California. It is named after former Fresno mayor Arthur L. Selland and has had over ten million people walk through its doors in its over...
(starting with the 2008-09 season) and an agreement with the city of Fresno
Fresno, California
Fresno is a city in central California, United States, the county seat of Fresno County. As of the 2010 census, the city's population was 510,365, making it the fifth largest city in California, the largest inland city in California, and the 34th largest in the nation...
in which the city invested $5 million into upgrades for hockey at Selland Arena, as long as the team would not be sold or moved without the direct approval from the city. A clause in the agreement, stated that the city could take over the team as a government agency if owners were unable to continue operations; however, the option was declined after it was determined that the hockey club would finish the season $500,000 under expenses. City officials have expressed interest in bringing the franchise back as early as the 2009-10 season, although ECHL Commissioner was less enthusiastic stating that "a great deal of damage had been done" and that the league would give a new ownership "nine to ten months of lead time to create a solid foundation." At the time of their folding, the Falcons were in first place of the Pacific Division and had the fifth best record in the ECHL.
League standings
as of April 4, 2009Note: GP = Games played; W = Wins; L= Loses; OTL = Overtime loses; SOL = Shootout loses; GF = Goals for; GA = Goals against; PTS = Points; PCT = Winning percentage; Green shade = Clinched playoff spot; Blue shade = Clinched division; Red shade = team is eliminated from playoffs; (z) = Clinched home-ice advantage
* Augusta folded on December 3, 2008. Fresno folded on December 22, 2008.
American Conference
| Northern Division | GP | W | L | OTL | SOL | PTS | GF | GA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati Cyclones Cincinnati Cyclones The Cincinnati Cyclones are a professional hockey team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. The team is a member of the ECHL. Founded in 1990, the team first played their games in the Cincinnati Gardens and now play at U.S. Bank Arena.... (MON Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ... /NSH Nashville Predators The Nashville Predators are a professional ice hockey team based in Nashville, Tennessee. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League... ) |
72 | 41 | 26 | 2 | 3 | 87 | 256 | 231 |
| Trenton Devils (NJD New Jersey Devils The New Jersey Devils are a professional ice hockey team based in Newark, New Jersey, United States. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... ) |
72 | 40 | 25 | 2 | 5 | 87 | 236 | 206 |
| Elmira Jackals Elmira Jackals The Elmira Jackals are an ice hockey team that play in the ECHL. Their home games are played in First Arena in Elmira, New York and they refer to themselves as "the beasts of the east"... (OTT Ottawa Senators The Ottawa Senators are a professional ice hockey team based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... ) |
72 | 39 | 26 | 2 | 5 | 85 | 235 | 232 |
| Wheeling Nailers Wheeling Nailers The Wheeling Nailers are an ECHL ice hockey team based in Wheeling, West Virginia. They are the ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Montreal Canadiens of the NHL and the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and the Hamilton Bulldogs of the AHL.... (PIT Pittsburgh Penguins The Pittsburgh Penguins are a professional ice hockey team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The franchise was founded in 1967 as one of the first expansion teams during the league's original... ) |
72 | 36 | 28 | 2 | 6 | 80 | 263 | 260 |
| Johnstown Chiefs Johnstown Chiefs The Johnstown Chiefs were a minor league ice hockey team located in Johnstown, Pennsylvania that played in the ECHL. The team was founded in 1988 in the All-American Hockey League, and moved to the East Coast Hockey League when that league was formed... (COL Colorado Avalanche The Colorado Avalanche are a professional ice hockey team based in Denver, Colorado, United States. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The Avalanche have won the Stanley Cup twice, in 1995–96 and 2000–01. The franchise... /CBJ Columbus Blue Jackets The Columbus Blue Jackets are a professional ice hockey team based in Columbus, Ohio, United States. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League... ) |
72 | 37 | 30 | 5 | 0 | 79 | 228 | 232 |
| Dayton Bombers Dayton Bombers The Dayton Bombers were an ECHL ice hockey team located in Dayton, Ohio. The team most recently was in the North Division of the ECHL's American Conference.... (Independent) |
72 | 32 | 33 | 4 | 3 | 71 | 229 | 247 |
| Reading Royals Reading Royals The Reading Royals are a professional ice hockey team that currently plays in the ECHL. The team participates in the Atlantic Division of the ECHL's Eastern Conference. The Royals play their home games at the Sovereign Center located in downtown Reading, Pennsylvania... (TOR Toronto Maple Leafs The Toronto Maple Leafs are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... /LAK Los Angeles Kings The Los Angeles Kings are a professional ice hockey team based in Los Angeles, California. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League... ) |
72 | 24 | 42 | 3 | 3 | 54 | 211 | 269 |
| Southern Division† | GP | W | L | OTL | SOL | PTS | PCT | GF | GA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (z) Florida Everblades Florida Everblades The Florida Everblades are an ECHL ice hockey team playing in the Southeast Division. The team is based in Estero, Florida and plays at Germain Arena . The team has existed since 1998... (CAR Carolina Hurricanes The Carolina Hurricanes are a professional ice hockey team based in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League , and play their home games at the 18,680-seat RBC Center... /FLA Florida Panthers The Florida Panthers are a professional ice hockey team based in Sunrise, Florida, in the Miami metropolitan area. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . They play their games at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise and are the... ) |
71 | 49 | 17 | 2 | 3 | 103 | .725 | 265 | 186 |
| South Carolina Stingrays South Carolina Stingrays The South Carolina Stingrays are a professional minor league ice hockey team based in North Charleston, South Carolina. The Stingrays play in the South Division of the ECHL's Eastern Conference. They play their home games at the North Charleston Coliseum. The Carolina Ice Palace, also located in... (WSH Washington Capitals The Washington Capitals are a professional ice hockey team based in Washington, D.C. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Since their founding in 1974, "The Caps" have won one conference championship to reach the 1998 Stanley Cup... ) |
71 | 42 | 23 | 2 | 4 | 90 | .634 | 238 | 180 |
| Charlotte Checkers (NYR New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the... ) |
71 | 34 | 29 | 2 | 6 | 76 | .535 | 217 | 224 |
| Gwinnett Gladiators Gwinnett Gladiators The Gwinnett Gladiators are a professional minor league ice hockey team based in Duluth, Georgia. The Gladiators play in the South Division of the ECHL's Eastern Conference. The Gladiators play their home games at the Arena at Gwinnett Center.... (ATL Atlanta Thrashers The Atlanta Thrashers were a professional ice hockey team based in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. Atlanta was granted a franchise in the National Hockey League on June 25, 1997, and became the league's 28th franchise when it began play in the 1999–2000 NHL season... /CHI Chicago Blackhawks The Chicago Blackhawks are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They have won four Stanley Cup championships since their founding in 1926, most recently coming in 2009-10... ) |
72 | 31 | 35 | 1 | 5 | 68 | ..472 | 214 | 246 |
| Mississippi Sea Wolves Mississippi Sea Wolves The Mississippi Sea Wolves were a professional hockey team based in Biloxi, Mississippi and playing in the Mississippi Coast Coliseum. The Sea Wolves were members of the ECHL.... (PHI Philadelphia Flyers The Philadelphia Flyers are a professional ice hockey team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... /TBL Tampa Bay Lightning The Tampa Bay Lightning are a professional ice hockey team based in Tampa, Florida. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . They have one Stanley Cup championship in their history, in 2003–04. They are often referred to as the... ) |
71 | 28 | 35 | 7 | 1 | 64 | .451 | 203 | 256 |
| Augusta Lynx Augusta Lynx The Augusta Lynx were a minor-league professional ice hockey team based in Augusta, Georgia. The Lynx played their home games at the James Brown Arena... (TBL Tampa Bay Lightning The Tampa Bay Lightning are a professional ice hockey team based in Tampa, Florida. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . They have one Stanley Cup championship in their history, in 2003–04. They are often referred to as the... )* |
16 | 6 | 10 | 1 | 1 | 14 | .438 | 39 | 70 |
† Percentage of points earned is used to determine playoff seedings in the Southern Division due to unbalanced schedules, as Gwinnett played one more game than the other teams.
National Conference
| Pacific Division | GP | W | L | OTL | SOL | PTS | PCT | GF | GA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario Reign Ontario Reign The Ontario Reign is a ice hockey team from Ontario, California that play in the ECHL. Their home arena is the Citizens Business Bank Arena. They are a minor league affiliate team of the Los Angeles Kings of the National Hockey League.-Team History:... (LAK Los Angeles Kings The Los Angeles Kings are a professional ice hockey team based in Los Angeles, California. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League... ) |
73 | 38 | 29 | 4 | 2 | 82 | .561 | 197 | 218 |
| Las Vegas Wranglers (CGY Calgary Flames The Calgary Flames are a professional ice hockey team based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is the third major-professional ice hockey team to represent the city of Calgary, following the... ) |
73 | 34 | 31 | 2 | 6 | 76 | .521 | 208 | 195 |
| Bakersfield Condors Bakersfield Condors The Bakersfield Condors are a minor league ice hockey team based in Bakersfield, California. The team plays in the Pacific Division of the ECHL's Western Conference. The Condors join the Houston Aeros as an affiliate of the Minnesota Wild in the National Hockey League... (ANA Anaheim Ducks The Anaheim Ducks are a professional ice hockey team based in Anaheim, California, USA. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League... ) |
72 | 33 | 32 | 3 | 4 | 73 | .507 | 246 | 263 |
| Stockton Thunder Stockton Thunder The Stockton Thunder are a minor league professional ice hockey team from Stockton, California. The Thunder are a member of the ECHL, and began playing in the 2005–06 season. The Stockton Arena is their home ice, providing a capacity for 9,737 fans... (EDM Edmonton Oilers The Edmonton Oilers are a professional ice hockey team based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division in the Western Conference of the National Hockey League .... ) |
72 | 32 | 32 | 5 | 2 | 71 | .493 | 210 | 237 |
| Fresno Falcons Fresno Falcons The Fresno Falcons are a defunct minor league hockey team. They were once members of the ECHL . They were located in Fresno, California.-Early history:... (CHI Chicago Blackhawks The Chicago Blackhawks are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They have won four Stanley Cup championships since their founding in 1926, most recently coming in 2009-10... )* |
30 | 18 | 10 | 1 | 1 | 38 | .633 | 82 | 82 |
† Percentage of points earned is used to determine playoff seedings in the Pacific Division due to unbalanced schedules, as Ontario and Las Vegas played one more game than Bakersfield and Stockton after the schedule was adjusted.
| West Division | GP | W | L | OTL | SOL | PTS | GF | GA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska Aces (STL) | 72 | 45 | 24 | 1 | 2 | 93 | 232 | 181 |
| Idaho Steelheads Idaho Steelheads The Idaho Steelheads are an American professional minor league ice hockey team based in Boise, Idaho. The team began playing in 1997 and has been a member of the ECHL since 2003.... (DAL Dallas Stars The Dallas Stars are a professional ice hockey team based in Dallas, Texas. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The team was founded during the 1967 NHL expansion as the Minnesota North Stars, based in Bloomington, Minnesota. The... ) |
72 | 44 | 24 | 2 | 2 | 92 | 224 | 186 |
| Victoria Salmon Kings Victoria Salmon Kings The Victoria Salmon Kings were a professional ice hockey team based in Victoria, British Columbia. They were members of the Mountain Division of the Western Conference of the ECHL, debuting in the 2004–05 ECHL season and folding after the 2010–11 ECHL season as the Chilliwack Bruins WHL franchise... (VAN Vancouver Canucks The Vancouver Canucks are a professional ice hockey team based in Vancouver, :British Columbia, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The Canucks play their home games at Rogers Arena, formerly known as General Motors Place,... ) |
72 | 38 | 27 | 2 | 5 | 83 | 232 | 200 |
| Utah Grizzlies Utah Grizzlies The Utah Grizzlies are a professional ice hockey team in the ECHL. They play out of West Valley City, Utah, United States, with their home games at the Maverik Center.- Franchise history :... (NYI New York Islanders The New York Islanders are a professional ice hockey team based in Uniondale, New York. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... ) |
72 | 28 | 28 | 6 | 10 | 72 | 220 | 246 |
| Phoenix RoadRunners Phoenix RoadRunners The Phoenix RoadRunners were a minor league ice hockey team based in Phoenix, Arizona. They played in the ECHL, beginning in the 2005–2006 season and ceasing operations at the end of the 2008-2009 season... (SJS San Jose Sharks The San Jose Sharks are a professional ice hockey team based in San Jose, California, United States. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League... ) |
72 | 30 | 37 | 2 | 3 | 65 | 200 | 246 |
All Star Classic
The ECHL All-Star Game was played in Reading, PennsylvaniaReading, Pennsylvania
Reading is a city in southeastern Pennsylvania, USA, and seat of Berks County. Reading is the principal city of the Greater Reading Area and had a population of 88,082 as of the 2010 census, making it the fifth most populated city in the state after Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown and Erie,...
on January 21, 2009. The host club was the Reading Royals
Reading Royals
The Reading Royals are a professional ice hockey team that currently plays in the ECHL. The team participates in the Atlantic Division of the ECHL's Eastern Conference. The Royals play their home games at the Sovereign Center located in downtown Reading, Pennsylvania...
. The American Conference defeated the National Conference 11-5, with Matthew Ford of Charlotte and Florida's
Florida Everblades
The Florida Everblades are an ECHL ice hockey team playing in the Southeast Division. The team is based in Estero, Florida and plays at Germain Arena . The team has existed since 1998...
Kevin Baker
Kevin Baker
Kevin Baker is an American novelist and journalist. He was born in Englewood, New Jersey and grew up in New Jersey and Rockport, Massachusetts....
both scoring hat tricks to over come a 3-1 deficit after the 1st Period.
| American Conference All-Stars | National Conference All-Stars | |
|---|---|---|
| Starters: |  #27 F Travis MorinTravis Morin Travis Morin is an American professional ice hockey player currently playing for the Dallas Stars organization of the National Hockey League.-Playing career:... (South Carolina Stingrays South Carolina Stingrays The South Carolina Stingrays are a professional minor league ice hockey team based in North Charleston, South Carolina. The Stingrays play in the South Division of the ECHL's Eastern Conference. They play their home games at the North Charleston Coliseum. The Carolina Ice Palace, also located in... )  #42 F Barret EhgoetzBarret Ehgoetz Barret Ehgoetz is an Canadian professional ice hockey player who is currently playing for the Cincinnati Cyclones in the ECHL.-External links:... (Cincinnati Cyclones Cincinnati Cyclones The Cincinnati Cyclones are a professional hockey team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. The team is a member of the ECHL. Founded in 1990, the team first played their games in the Cincinnati Gardens and now play at U.S. Bank Arena.... ) #71 F Kevin BakerKevin Baker Kevin Baker is an American novelist and journalist. He was born in Englewood, New Jersey and grew up in New Jersey and Rockport, Massachusetts.... (Florida Everblades Florida Everblades The Florida Everblades are an ECHL ice hockey team playing in the Southeast Division. The team is based in Estero, Florida and plays at Germain Arena . The team has existed since 1998... , captain) #11 D Ryan GundersonRyan Gunderson Ryan Gunderson, , is a professional ice hockey player currently on the Brynäs IF of the Elitserien.-High school:... (Trenton Devils) #24 D Elgin ReidElgin Reid Elgin Reid is a professional ice hockey defenseman currently playing with the Florida Everblades of the ECHL.-Playing career:... (Wheeling Nailers Wheeling Nailers The Wheeling Nailers are an ECHL ice hockey team based in Wheeling, West Virginia. They are the ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Montreal Canadiens of the NHL and the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and the Hamilton Bulldogs of the AHL.... ) #31 G Kris Mayotte (Johnstown ChiefsJohnstown Chiefs The Johnstown Chiefs were a minor league ice hockey team located in Johnstown, Pennsylvania that played in the ECHL. The team was founded in 1988 in the All-American Hockey League, and moved to the East Coast Hockey League when that league was formed... ) |
#10 F Colin Hemingway Colin Hemingway Colin Hemingway is a professional ice hockey player who is currently playing for the Wichita Thunder of the Central Hockey League. He also played three games in the National Hockey League with the St. Louis Blues.... (Alaska Aces) #11 F Matt PopeMatt Pope Matt Pope is a Canadian professional ice hockey right winger with the San Antonio Rampage of the American Hockey League .-Playing career:... (Bakersfield Condors Bakersfield Condors The Bakersfield Condors are a minor league ice hockey team based in Bakersfield, California. The team plays in the Pacific Division of the ECHL's Western Conference. The Condors join the Houston Aeros as an affiliate of the Minnesota Wild in the National Hockey League... ) #16 F Cory UrquhartCory Urquhart Cory Urquhart is a Canadian ice hockey player currently playing with theKölner Haie of the German Hockey League. Urquhart, a native of Halifax,Nova Scotia was drafted 40th overall by the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League in the 2003 NHL Draft in Nashville, Tennessee.- Playing... (Stockton Thunder Stockton Thunder The Stockton Thunder are a minor league professional ice hockey team from Stockton, California. The Thunder are a member of the ECHL, and began playing in the 2005–06 season. The Stockton Arena is their home ice, providing a capacity for 9,737 fans... ) #4 D Dylan YeoDylan Yeo Dylan Yeo is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman who currently plays for the Hershey Bears of the AHL.-Playing career:... (Victoria Salmon Kings Victoria Salmon Kings The Victoria Salmon Kings were a professional ice hockey team based in Victoria, British Columbia. They were members of the Mountain Division of the Western Conference of the ECHL, debuting in the 2004–05 ECHL season and folding after the 2010–11 ECHL season as the Chilliwack Bruins WHL franchise... ) #41 D Matt Shasby (Alaska Aces) #1 G Jean-Phillipe Lamoreux (Alaska Aces) |
| Reserves: | #2 D Aaron Brocklehurst Aaron Brocklehurst Aaron Brocklehurst is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman who currently plays for Pelicans of the SM-liiga.-Career statistics:-External links:... (Florida Everblades Florida Everblades The Florida Everblades are an ECHL ice hockey team playing in the Southeast Division. The team is based in Estero, Florida and plays at Germain Arena . The team has existed since 1998... ) #6 D Aaron Clarke (Wheeling NailersWheeling Nailers The Wheeling Nailers are an ECHL ice hockey team based in Wheeling, West Virginia. They are the ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Montreal Canadiens of the NHL and the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and the Hamilton Bulldogs of the AHL.... ) #8 D Matt CohenMatt Cohen (ice hockey) Matt Cohen is an American professional ice hockey defenceman who is currently playing for Fife Flyers. He most recently played for the Hamburg Freezers of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga, posting 5 assists in 40 games during his one season with the Freezers in 2010–11.Cohen is Jewish.-Regular season... (Trenton Devils) #15 F Bryan EwingBryan Ewing Bryan "Boomer" Ewing Bryan "Boomer" Ewing Bryan "Boomer" Ewing (born January 23, 1985 in Wheeling, West Virginia, is an American ice hockey player for the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League. Ewing began his professional career in 2008 with the Wheeling Nailers of the ECHL.... (Wheeling Nailers Wheeling Nailers The Wheeling Nailers are an ECHL ice hockey team based in Wheeling, West Virginia. They are the ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Montreal Canadiens of the NHL and the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and the Hamilton Bulldogs of the AHL.... ) #16 F Ryan CruthersRyan Cruthers Ryan Cruthers is a professional ice hockey player. Cruthers is currently playing for the Reading Royals. During Cruthers pre-collegiate career he won an EJHL Championship with the New York Apple Core and a New York State Championship with St Marys High School... (Mississippi Sea Wolves Mississippi Sea Wolves The Mississippi Sea Wolves were a professional hockey team based in Biloxi, Mississippi and playing in the Mississippi Coast Coliseum. The Sea Wolves were members of the ECHL.... ) #17 F Josh AspenlindJosh Aspenlind Josh Aspenlind is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who is currently playing for the Manitoba Moose in the American Hockey League.-Career statistics:-External links:... (Elmira Jackals Elmira Jackals The Elmira Jackals are an ice hockey team that play in the ECHL. Their home games are played in First Arena in Elmira, New York and they refer to themselves as "the beasts of the east"... ) #18 F Tyler Doig (Reading RoyalsReading Royals The Reading Royals are a professional ice hockey team that currently plays in the ECHL. The team participates in the Atlantic Division of the ECHL's Eastern Conference. The Royals play their home games at the Sovereign Center located in downtown Reading, Pennsylvania... ) #19 F Matthew Ford (Charlotte Checkers) #21 D Johann KrollJohann Kroll Johann Kroll is an American professional ice hockey player who is currently playing for the Hershey Bears in the American Hockey League. Prior to the 2010–11 season, Kroll attended the Bears NHL affiliate training camp of the Washington Capitals.-Career statistics:-External links:... (South Carolina Stingrays South Carolina Stingrays The South Carolina Stingrays are a professional minor league ice hockey team based in North Charleston, South Carolina. The Stingrays play in the South Division of the ECHL's Eastern Conference. They play their home games at the North Charleston Coliseum. The Carolina Ice Palace, also located in... ) #22 F Ryan Del MonteRyan Del Monte Ryan Del Monte is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who is currently playing for the South Carolina Stingrays of the ECHL. Del Monte started the 2010–11 season with the Cincinnati Cyclones.-Career statistics:... (Johnstown Chiefs Johnstown Chiefs The Johnstown Chiefs were a minor league ice hockey team located in Johnstown, Pennsylvania that played in the ECHL. The team was founded in 1988 in the All-American Hockey League, and moved to the East Coast Hockey League when that league was formed... ) #23 F Jordan Fox (Gwinnett GladiatorsGwinnett Gladiators The Gwinnett Gladiators are a professional minor league ice hockey team based in Duluth, Georgia. The Gladiators play in the South Division of the ECHL's Eastern Conference. The Gladiators play their home games at the Arena at Gwinnett Center.... ) #26 D Steve WardSteve Ward (ice hockey) Steve Ward is an Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman. He is currently playing for the Alaska Aces in the ECHL.-External links:... (Reading Royals Reading Royals The Reading Royals are a professional ice hockey team that currently plays in the ECHL. The team participates in the Atlantic Division of the ECHL's Eastern Conference. The Royals play their home games at the Sovereign Center located in downtown Reading, Pennsylvania... ) #33 G David LeggioDavid Leggio David Leggio is a professional ice hockey goaltender currently under contract with the Buffalo Sabres organization of the National Hockey League.-Playing career:... (Florida Everblades Florida Everblades The Florida Everblades are an ECHL ice hockey team playing in the Southeast Division. The team is based in Estero, Florida and plays at Germain Arena . The team has existed since 1998... )  #34 G Michal NeuvirthMichal Neuvirth Michal Neuvirth is a Czech professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the Washington Capitals after spending time with the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League... (South Carolina Stingrays South Carolina Stingrays The South Carolina Stingrays are a professional minor league ice hockey team based in North Charleston, South Carolina. The Stingrays play in the South Division of the ECHL's Eastern Conference. They play their home games at the North Charleston Coliseum. The Carolina Ice Palace, also located in... ) #91 F Jarret LukinJarret Lukin Jarret Lukin is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who is currently playing with the Allen Americans in the Central Hockey League.... (Dayton Bombers Dayton Bombers The Dayton Bombers were an ECHL ice hockey team located in Dayton, Ohio. The team most recently was in the North Division of the ECHL's American Conference.... ) |
#6 D Kenny MacAulay (Stockton Thunder Stockton Thunder The Stockton Thunder are a minor league professional ice hockey team from Stockton, California. The Thunder are a member of the ECHL, and began playing in the 2005–06 season. The Stockton Arena is their home ice, providing a capacity for 9,737 fans... *) #8 F Geoff WalkerGeoff Walker (ice hockey) Geoff Walker is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who is currently playing for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in the American Hockey League.-External links:... (Ontario Reign Ontario Reign The Ontario Reign is a ice hockey team from Ontario, California that play in the ECHL. Their home arena is the Citizens Business Bank Arena. They are a minor league affiliate team of the Los Angeles Kings of the National Hockey League.-Team History:... ) #17 F Tim KrausTim Kraus Tim Kraus is an American professional ice hockey center. He is currently playing for the Dayton Gems of the Central Hockey League.-Playing career:... (Ontario Reign Ontario Reign The Ontario Reign is a ice hockey team from Ontario, California that play in the ECHL. Their home arena is the Citizens Business Bank Arena. They are a minor league affiliate team of the Los Angeles Kings of the National Hockey League.-Team History:... ) #18 F Dan GendurDan Gendur Dan Gendur is a professional ice hockey winger currently playing for the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees of the Central Hockey League... (Victoria Salmon Kings Victoria Salmon Kings The Victoria Salmon Kings were a professional ice hockey team based in Victoria, British Columbia. They were members of the Mountain Division of the Western Conference of the ECHL, debuting in the 2004–05 ECHL season and folding after the 2010–11 ECHL season as the Chilliwack Bruins WHL franchise... ) #19 F Mark DerlagoMark Derlago Mark Derlago is an Canadian professional ice hockey player who is currently playing for the Idaho Steelheads in the ECHL.-Awards and honours:*WHL Most Goals with 46 *ECHL Performer of the Year... (Bakersfield Condors Bakersfield Condors The Bakersfield Condors are a minor league ice hockey team based in Bakersfield, California. The team plays in the Pacific Division of the ECHL's Western Conference. The Condors join the Houston Aeros as an affiliate of the Minnesota Wild in the National Hockey League... ) #20 F Mark Bombersback (Idaho SteelheadsIdaho Steelheads The Idaho Steelheads are an American professional minor league ice hockey team based in Boise, Idaho. The team began playing in 1997 and has been a member of the ECHL since 2003.... ) #21 F Justin Taylor (Las Vegas WranglersLas Vegas Wranglers The Las Vegas Wranglers are a professional ice hockey team based in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Wranglers are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the ECHL... ) #22 D Michael Wilson (Phoenix RoadRunnersPhoenix RoadRunners The Phoenix RoadRunners were a minor league ice hockey team based in Phoenix, Arizona. They played in the ECHL, beginning in the 2005–2006 season and ceasing operations at the end of the 2008-2009 season... ) #25 D Matt StephensonMatt Stephenson Matt Stephenson is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who is currently playing for the Texas Stars in the American Hockey League.-External links:... (Idaho Steelheads Idaho Steelheads The Idaho Steelheads are an American professional minor league ice hockey team based in Boise, Idaho. The team began playing in 1997 and has been a member of the ECHL since 2003.... ) #26 D Ryan HuddyRyan Huddy Ryan Huddy is an Canadian professional ice hockey player who is currently playing for the Las Vegas Wranglers in the ECHL.-External links:... (Stockton Thunder Stockton Thunder The Stockton Thunder are a minor league professional ice hockey team from Stockton, California. The Thunder are a member of the ECHL, and began playing in the 2005–06 season. The Stockton Arena is their home ice, providing a capacity for 9,737 fans... ) #31 G Joe FallonJoe Fallon Joe Fallon is an American professional ice hockey player who is currently playing for the Las Vegas Wranglers in the ECHL... (Gwinnett Gladiators Gwinnett Gladiators The Gwinnett Gladiators are a professional minor league ice hockey team based in Duluth, Georgia. The Gladiators play in the South Division of the ECHL's Eastern Conference. The Gladiators play their home games at the Arena at Gwinnett Center.... *) #32 D Jeff MayJeff May Jeff May is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who is currently playing for the San Antonio Rampage in the American Hockey League . He was selected by the Detroit Red Wings in the 5th round of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.On March 20, 2009, May was signed as a free agent by the Phoenix... (Las Vegas Wranglers Las Vegas Wranglers The Las Vegas Wranglers are a professional ice hockey team based in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Wranglers are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the ECHL... ) #36 G John MurrayJohn Murray (ice hockey b. 1987) John Murray is a professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing with HK Partizan.-Junior career:... (Ontario Reign Ontario Reign The Ontario Reign is a ice hockey team from Ontario, California that play in the ECHL. Their home arena is the Citizens Business Bank Arena. They are a minor league affiliate team of the Los Angeles Kings of the National Hockey League.-Team History:... ) #61 F Matt FornataroMatt Fornataro Matt Fornataro is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who is currently playing for the Norfolk Admirals in the American Hockey League.-Career statistics:-External links:... (Phoenix RoadRunners Phoenix RoadRunners The Phoenix RoadRunners were a minor league ice hockey team based in Phoenix, Arizona. They played in the ECHL, beginning in the 2005–2006 season and ceasing operations at the end of the 2008-2009 season... , captain) #71 F Tom May (Utah GrizzliesUtah Grizzlies The Utah Grizzlies are a professional ice hockey team in the ECHL. They play out of West Valley City, Utah, United States, with their home games at the Maverik Center.- Franchise history :... ) |
* Fresno's termination was announced on December 22, 2008, after ECHL All-Star voting had ended. As such, these players were voted as representatives of Fresno. Fallon's case is unique because he had moved to the American Conference. MacAulay joined head coach Matt Thomas at Stockton, in the National Conference
Playoff format
On June 23, the league announced its new playoff format for the 2008-09 season. The playoffs would feature a total of sixteen teams (eight from each conference) and four rounds of play. The top four finishers in each division will be seeded based on regular season point totals. The Division Semifinals will have the first seed meeting the fourth seed and the second seed meeting the third seed in a best-of-seven series. The winners of the Division Semifinals will advance to the Division Finals which is a best-of-seven series. The Division Finals winners will advance to the Conference Finals which is a best-of-seven series. The winner of the American Conference and the winner of the National Conference will meet in the Kelly Cup Finals, a best-of-seven game series. Home-ice advantage will be determined by regular season points. This format is similar to that used by the American Hockey LeagueAmerican Hockey League
The American Hockey League is a 30-team professional ice hockey league based in the United States and Canada that serves as the primary developmental circuit for the National Hockey League...
for the Calder Cup playoffs
Calder Cup
The Calder Cup is awarded annually to the playoff champion of the American Hockey League. The trophy is the world's second oldest continuous professional ice hockey championship, having first been awarded in 1937 following the 1936-37 AHL season, and continuously being awarded every year.The cup...
.
At the Mid-Season Board of Governors Meeting in Reading, PA, during All-Star Game. two changes were announced for the playoff format due to Augusta and Fresno folding mid-season. In the National Conference, instead of the top four teams in each division making the playoffs, the top eight teams (of the nine in the conference) will make the playoffs; the fourth seed in the Pacific Division playoffs will be determined by the team with the better record between 4th place in the Pacific Division and 5th place in the Western Division. All seeding in the National Conference and in the American Conference's Southern Division will use percentage of points won because of an unbalanced number of games played caused by rescheduling (Points divided by Games, then divided by two).
Bracket
- N is short for North Division
- S is short for South Division
- P is short for Pacific Division
- W is short for West Division
ECHL awards
| Patrick Kelly Cup Kelly Cup The Patrick J. Kelly Cup goes to the play-off champion of the ECHL. The Kelly Cup has been awarded to teams since 1997. Prior to 1997, the playoff winner was awarded the Riley Cup. The current cup is named after Patrick J. Kelly, the league's first commissioner. The cup is loaned to the winning... : |
South Carolina Stingrays South Carolina Stingrays The South Carolina Stingrays are a professional minor league ice hockey team based in North Charleston, South Carolina. The Stingrays play in the South Division of the ECHL's Eastern Conference. They play their home games at the North Charleston Coliseum. The Carolina Ice Palace, also located in... |
| Henry Brabham Cup Brabham Cup The Henry Brabham Cup is the trophy awarded annually by the ECHL to the team which finishes with the most points in the league during the regular season... : |
Florida Everblades Florida Everblades The Florida Everblades are an ECHL ice hockey team playing in the Southeast Division. The team is based in Estero, Florida and plays at Germain Arena . The team has existed since 1998... |
| Gingher Memorial Trophy: | South Carolina Stingrays South Carolina Stingrays The South Carolina Stingrays are a professional minor league ice hockey team based in North Charleston, South Carolina. The Stingrays play in the South Division of the ECHL's Eastern Conference. They play their home games at the North Charleston Coliseum. The Carolina Ice Palace, also located in... |
| Bruce Taylor Trophy: | Alaska Aces |
| John Brophy Award: | Rick Kowalsky (Trenton) |
| CCM U+ Most Valuable Player: | Kevin Baker (Florida) |
| Kelly Cup Playoffs Most Valuable Player: | James Reimer (South Carolina) |
| Reebok Hockey Goaltender of the Year: | Jean Philippe Lamoureux (Alaska) |
| CCM Rookie of the Year: | Bryan Ewing (Wheeling Wheeling Nailers The Wheeling Nailers are an ECHL ice hockey team based in Wheeling, West Virginia. They are the ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Montreal Canadiens of the NHL and the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and the Hamilton Bulldogs of the AHL.... ) |
| Defenseman of the Year: | Dylan Yeo Dylan Yeo Dylan Yeo is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman who currently plays for the Hershey Bears of the AHL.-Playing career:... (Victoria Victoria Salmon Kings The Victoria Salmon Kings were a professional ice hockey team based in Victoria, British Columbia. They were members of the Mountain Division of the Western Conference of the ECHL, debuting in the 2004–05 ECHL season and folding after the 2010–11 ECHL season as the Chilliwack Bruins WHL franchise... ) |
| Leading Scorer: | Kevin Baker (Florida) |
| Reebok Plus Performer Award: | Travis Morin (South Carolina) |
| Sportsmanship Award: | Travis Morin (South Carolina) |
| Birmingham Memorial Award: | Michael Voyer |
All-ECHL Teams
Bryan Ewing and Jean Philippe Lamoureux were named to both All-ECHL and ECHL All-Rookie Teams.| All-ECHL First Team |
|---|
| F Kevin Baker (Florida Florida Everblades The Florida Everblades are an ECHL ice hockey team playing in the Southeast Division. The team is based in Estero, Florida and plays at Germain Arena . The team has existed since 1998... ) F Bryan EwingBryan Ewing Bryan "Boomer" Ewing Bryan "Boomer" Ewing Bryan "Boomer" Ewing (born January 23, 1985 in Wheeling, West Virginia, is an American ice hockey player for the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League. Ewing began his professional career in 2008 with the Wheeling Nailers of the ECHL.... (Wheeling Wheeling Nailers The Wheeling Nailers are an ECHL ice hockey team based in Wheeling, West Virginia. They are the ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Montreal Canadiens of the NHL and the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and the Hamilton Bulldogs of the AHL.... ) F Travis MorinTravis Morin Travis Morin is an American professional ice hockey player currently playing for the Dallas Stars organization of the National Hockey League.-Playing career:... (South Carolina South Carolina Stingrays The South Carolina Stingrays are a professional minor league ice hockey team based in North Charleston, South Carolina. The Stingrays play in the South Division of the ECHL's Eastern Conference. They play their home games at the North Charleston Coliseum. The Carolina Ice Palace, also located in... ) D Ryan GundersonRyan Gunderson Ryan Gunderson, , is a professional ice hockey player currently on the Brynäs IF of the Elitserien.-High school:... (Trenton) D Dylan YeoDylan Yeo Dylan Yeo is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman who currently plays for the Hershey Bears of the AHL.-Playing career:... (Victoria Victoria Salmon Kings The Victoria Salmon Kings were a professional ice hockey team based in Victoria, British Columbia. They were members of the Mountain Division of the Western Conference of the ECHL, debuting in the 2004–05 ECHL season and folding after the 2010–11 ECHL season as the Chilliwack Bruins WHL franchise... ) G Jean-Philippe LamoureuxJean-Philippe Lamoureux Jean-Philippe Lamoureux is an American professional ice hockey goaltender. He was not drafted in the NHL Draft and is currently playing for the HDD Olimpija Ljubljana of the Austrian Hockey League.-Amateur:... (Alaska) |
| All-ECHL Second Team |
|---|
| F Dave Bonk (Bakersfield Bakersfield Condors The Bakersfield Condors are a minor league ice hockey team based in Bakersfield, California. The team plays in the Pacific Division of the ECHL's Western Conference. The Condors join the Houston Aeros as an affiliate of the Minnesota Wild in the National Hockey League... ) F Mark DerlagoMark Derlago Mark Derlago is an Canadian professional ice hockey player who is currently playing for the Idaho Steelheads in the ECHL.-Awards and honours:*WHL Most Goals with 46 *ECHL Performer of the Year... (Bakersfield) F Wes GoldieWes Goldie Wes Goldie is a Canadian professional ice hockey right winger who currently plays for the Alaska Aces of the ECHL.Goldie has scored an ECHL-best 175 goals while not missing a single game over the last four seasons with the Victoria Salmon Kings, including 44 last year, second only to Utah's Ryan... (Victoria) D Peter Metcalf (Alaska) D Matt Shasby (Alaska) G Gerald ColemanGerald Coleman Gerald Coleman is a professional ice hockey goaltender who plays for the Alaska Aces of the ECHL.-Playing career:Coleman was drafted 224th overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft... (Trenton) |
ECHL All-Rookie Team
The Wheeling Nailers set a league record with four rookies being named to the ECHL All-Rookie Team, surpassing the previous record of two which had occurred on six separate occasions.| ECHL-All Rookie Team |
|---|
| F Bryan Ewing Bryan Ewing Bryan "Boomer" Ewing Bryan "Boomer" Ewing Bryan "Boomer" Ewing (born January 23, 1985 in Wheeling, West Virginia, is an American ice hockey player for the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League. Ewing began his professional career in 2008 with the Wheeling Nailers of the ECHL.... (Wheeling Wheeling Nailers The Wheeling Nailers are an ECHL ice hockey team based in Wheeling, West Virginia. They are the ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Montreal Canadiens of the NHL and the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and the Hamilton Bulldogs of the AHL.... ) F Jordan Morrison (Wheeling) F Matt PopeMatt Pope Matt Pope is a Canadian professional ice hockey right winger with the San Antonio Rampage of the American Hockey League .-Playing career:... (Bakersfield Bakersfield Condors The Bakersfield Condors are a minor league ice hockey team based in Bakersfield, California. The team plays in the Pacific Division of the ECHL's Western Conference. The Condors join the Houston Aeros as an affiliate of the Minnesota Wild in the National Hockey League... ) D Mitch Ganzak (Wheeling) D Elgin ReidElgin Reid Elgin Reid is a professional ice hockey defenseman currently playing with the Florida Everblades of the ECHL.-Playing career:... (Wheeling) G Jean-Philippe LamoureuxJean-Philippe Lamoureux Jean-Philippe Lamoureux is an American professional ice hockey goaltender. He was not drafted in the NHL Draft and is currently playing for the HDD Olimpija Ljubljana of the Austrian Hockey League.-Amateur:... (Alaska) |