ECHL

Jeff Pyle named new coach of Valpellice

American Jeff Pyle, 55, is the new headcoach of Valpellice. Pyle comes back to Europe where he closed player's career and began coaching in Germany. Last season he missed playoffs with Evansville Icemen in ECHL

(26 Aug 2014)

San Francisco Bulls fold

The San Francisco Bulls cease operations immediately after failing to complete a change in ownership that they hoped would sustain the team. Team disappear after a season and a half in ECHL
"Bringing hockey to San Francisco was a dream; we have great talent on our team, and had a great vision for what the team could be. Things didn't pan out the way we had hoped. It's sad, and disconcerting, but we're unfortunately left with no other choice at this point." said President and Head Coach Pat Curcio

(28 Jan 2014)

ECHL approves expansion team in Indianapolis

The ECHL announced that the Board of Governors has approved the Expansion Membership application of the Indianapolis Fuel for admission to the league.

Indianapolis will begin play in October, 2014 when the ECHL opens its 27th season.

"We are proud to welcome Indianapolis as the newest Member of the ECHL," Commissioner Brian McKenna said. "The city has a rich hockey tradition and is an ideal addition to our mid-west geography"

With the addition of Indianapolis, the ECHL will welcome 23 teams for the 2014-15 season.

(26 Nov 2013)

Anaheim Ducks sign affiliation with Utah Grizzlies

NHL's Anaheim Ducks announced today that the team has reached an affiliation agreement with the ECHL's Utah Grizzlies.
The Grizzlies will serve as the ECHL affiliate of the Ducks and will also work with their AHL affiliate the Norfolk Admirals.
In last four years Grizzlies were affiliated with Calgary Flames

(08 Aug 2013)

NY Islanders sign affiliation with Stockton Thunder

The New York Islanders and the Stockton Thunder of the ECHL and have reached a one year affiliation agreement for the 2013-14 season.
The Thunder previously had an NHL affiliation with the Edmonton Oilers (2006-13), San Jose Sharks (2010-12) and Phoenix Coyotes (2005-06).

(31 Jul 2013)

Toronto Maple Leafs add Solar Bears as affiliate

The Toronto Maple Leafs announced today that they have added the Orlando Solar Bears and Toronto Marlies (AHL) as ECHL affiliates. The Solar Bears will enter the 2013-14 season with dual affiliates. Toronto will join the Minnesota Wild and Iowa Wild in supplying prospects to the Solar Bears roster.
"We are pleased to have reached an agreement with the Solar Bears," said Leafs Vice President and Assistant General Manager Claude Loiselle. "As an organization, we are confident that our Toronto Maple Leafs prospects will accelerate their professional development in Orlando."

(23 Jul 2013)

Trenton Titans ceases operations

The ECHL announced on that the Trenton Titans Membership has ceased operations and the team will not compete in the 2013-14 season.

(23 Apr 2013)

San Francisco Bulls become Sharks affiliate

New expansion ECHL team San Francisco Bulls announced they have been named the ECHL affiliate of the San Jose Sharks. The Bulls have also been named the ECHL affiliate of the American Hockey League's (AHL) Worcester Sharks. The Bulls will serve as the primary ECHL developmental team for the San Jose and Worcester Sharks.

(12 Jul 2012)

Reading Royals become Capitals and Bears affiliate

The Reading Royals of the ECHL, the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League and the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League jointly announced that they have entered into an exclusive affiliation arrangement, under which the Royals will receive players designated for assignment within the professional hockey operations development systems of the Capitals and Bears
"We are very pleased to announce our new ECHL affiliation with the Reading Royals," said Capitals' General Manager George McPhee. "The Royals are a first-class organization where our prospects will be playing in an environment that will help them develop to their ultimate potential. We feel the proximity to both Washington and our AHL affiliate in Hershey will be beneficial to all three clubs."

(09 Jul 2012)

Defender Bryan Rufenach died

Defenseman Bryan Rufenach, a seventh-round draft pick of the Detroit Red Wings in the 2007 NHL entry draft, currently at Toledo Walleye of ECHL, died this week while traveling in Switzerland. He was 23.
Details of Rufenach's death have not been released, but The Lindsay Post has learned he suffered a fatal electrocution.
Walleye coach Nick Vitucci said in statement: "The entire team's thoughts and prayers are with Bryan's family as they get through this difficult time. Bryan was a great teammate and would play any role asked of him."

(07 Jun 2012)