ECHL News
November 17, 2004: ECHL to feature Sword play in 2005/2006
The former Columbus Cottonmouths (Hampton Roads Admirals franchise) will resurface next season as the Gulf Coast Swords. Their arena is currently under construction in Lakewood Ranch, Florida (Bradenton area).
October 22, 2004: Puck Drops for ECHL Season 17
The 28-team ECHL starts its 17th season tonight! The newest team to take to the ice (and first team north of the border for the league): the Victoria Salmon Kings. The league is down to 28 teams from a record high of 31 last season after losing the Cincinnati Cyclones, Columbus Cottonmouths, Greensboro Generals, and Roanoke Express.
July 21, 2004: Four Franchises drop out for 2004/2005 Season
The Greensboro Generals and Roanoke Express have had their franchises terminated by the ECHL, joining the Cincinnati Cyclones and Columbus Cottonmouths on the list of teams that won't be returning for the 2004/2005 ECHL season. Meanwhile, the Baton Rouge Kingfish franchise will return to the league as the Victoria Salmon Kings: the ECHL's first team from Canada.
May 22, 2004: Steelheads win Kelly Cup
The Idaho Steelheads made themselves at home in the ECHL, capturing the Kelly Cup in their first season since joining the league with the rest of the former West Coast Hockey League teams. The Steelheads dismissed the Florida Everblades 4 games to 1 in the best-of-seven series. Idaho Goaltender Dan Ellis was selected as the ECHL's Playoff MVP.
October 17, 2003: ECHL Season 16 Begins
Opening weekend for the "ECHL" (formerly the East Coast Hockey League) brings 9 new teams: the Gwinnett Gladiators, Texas Wildcatters, Las Vegas Wranglers (originally slated to be a WCHL expansion team), and the 6 former members of the West Coast Hockey League (Alaska Aces, Bakersfield Condors, Fresno Falcons, Idaho Steelheads, Long Beach Ice Dogs, and San Diego Gulls). Gone from the ECHL roster of teams: Arkansas RiverBlades, Baton Rouge Kingfish, Jackson Bandits,
Lexington Men O' War, and Richmond Renegades. Meanwhile, the Pee Dee Pride are now known as the Florence Pride. The net result: a record 31 teams competing for the ECHL championship.
October 1, 2003: Players end ECHL strike
The ECHL strike is over and teams are scurrying to prepare for training camp's opening this weekend. The Professional Hockey Players Association (PHPA) ended a Summer-long strike with an ECHL collective bargaining agreement covering the next 3 seasons. Among the changes in the new agreement: player/assistant positions are a thing of the past and the number of games for veteran status moves from 250 to
288. However, the number of veteran roster spots remains at 4 (the ECHL initially requested that it be lowered to just 1) and health insurance coverage for players' families has been preserved.
May 19, 2003: East Coast Hockey League becomes ECHL
The East Coast Hockey League will now simply be known as the "ECHL", following the addition of teams from the West Coast Hockey League (Anchorage Aces, Bakersfield Condors, Fresno Falcons, Idaho Steelheads, Las Vegas Wranglers,
Long Beach Ice Dogs, and San Diego Gulls).
May 14, 2003: Boardwalk Bullies win the Kelly Cup
The Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies are the East Coast Hockey League's 2002/2003 Kelly Cup Champions! Kevin Colley notched his 13th goal of the postseason on a power play midway through the opening period for a 1-0 Bullies advantage. Atlantic City made it 2-0 late in the 2nd period on J.F. Caudron's 12th goal of the playoffs, then Caudron registered number 13 just 39 seconds into the third frame. The Columbia Inferno offered one last breath on the season, scoring 31 seconds later, but that was all she wrote for the ECHL's 15th season. Scott Stirling
stopped 29 of 30 shots for the 3-1 Championship-clinching victory. Colley was selected as the Kelly Cup Playoffs Most Valuable Player, but Caudron probably equally deserves the honors. Congratulations to Head Coach Mike Haviland and the entire Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies on a phenomenal season and New Jersey's first and only ECHL Championship!
April 1, 2003: Kelly Cup Playoffs Begin
It was a night for the dogs, underdogs that is, as 2002/2003 Kelly Cup Playoffs began tonight. The 5th seeded teams in both the Southeast and Southwest Divisions upset their 4th seeded opponents in Wildcard games to advance to their divisions' Semi-Finals. The Greenville Grrrowl upset the Florida Everblades 3-2 in regulation, while the Pensacola Ice Pilots eliminated the Jackson Bandits by the same score 16:26 into overtime. In the Northwest Division Semi-Finals, the Cincinnati Cyclones captured the first game of the series 4-3 from the
Peoria Rivermen. Follow all the scores on our 2002/2003 Kelly Cup Playoffs Page.
January 21, 2003: North prevails in 2002/2003 All-Star Game
The Northern Conference broke a 2-year slump last night, defeating the Southern Conference 8-2 in the 2002/2003 ECHL All-Star Game at Estero, Florida's TECO Arena. Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies goalie Scott Stirling won MVP honors with an 11-shot shutout in the opening period while Toledo Storm forward Nick Parillo led the Northern offense with a pair of goals. The game's score was the most decisive outcome in ECHL All-Star history, topping the previous 4-goal margin record.
December 4, 2002: Texas Wildcatters join ECHL in 2003
The ECHL's Beaumont franchise has a name: the Texas Wildcatters! The Wildcatters are scheduled to make their debut in the 2003/2004 season with the Gwinnett Gladiators, possibly the return of the Jacksonville Lizard Kings, and several WCHL teams.
October 11, 2002: Puck drops for 15th ECHL Season
The East Coast Hockey League's 15th season began tonight with 22 of the league's 27 teams in action, including their newest member: the Lexington Men O' War.
September 13, 2002: McKenna elected as ECHL's Heir to the Throne
The East Coast Hockey League officially announced yesterday that Trenton Titans General Manager Brian McKenna has been unanimously elected as the league's new President and CEO. His reign begins
on October 7th. It has been known for several months that former President/CEO Rick Adams was stepping down to focus on his ownership interests. In mid-June, reports began surfacing throughout the ECHL markets that McKenna was the heir
to the throne, but the league and Titans maintained the standard denials until matters were made official at the recent league meeting.
September 10, 2002: East meets West to form Superleague
A superleague is born! Or at least formally conceived. The West Coast Hockey League has officially joined the East Coast Hockey League! The 6 existing WCHL franchises (Anchorage Aces, Bakersfield Condors, Fresno Falcons, Idaho Steelheads, Long Beach Ice Dogs, San Diego Gulls) and the Las Vegas Wranglers will debut in the "ECHL" (destined to be renamed to reflect its Coast-to-Coast span) for the 2003/2004 season. Expansion franchises in Ontario, California and Reno, Nevada will join the new 'Double-A Superleague' in
2004/2005. It is not clear whether the leagues will alter their 2002/2003 schedules to introduce crossplay during the regular season or playoffs. In the next 13 months, expect the "ECHL" to attempt to persuade other teams (CHL/UHL) to join the Superleague to help balance the coast-to-coast team distribution a little better (while striking another blow to their competitors).
August 23, 2002: Gladiators to invade ECHL in 2003
The ECHL's Gwinnett County, Georgia franchise (formerly the Mobile Mysticks) has a name: the Gladiators! The Gwinnett Gladiators are slated to debut in the 2003/2004 season, possibly with the return of the Jacksonville Lizard Kings and a new team in
Beaumont, Texas.
August 19, 2002: Graham Replaces Ward
Three seasons, three Vice Presidents of Hockey Operations: the ECHL has promoted Director of Officiating Bryan Graham to fill the void left when Troy Ward resigned from his position after just one season in the ECHL front office.
July 30, 2002: Men O' War invade the ECHL
Lexington's ECHL franchise has chosen the Lexington Men O' War as their moniker. The Macon Whoopee relocated to Lexington after just one season in the ECHL. The Men O' War begin play in October with Rupp Arena as their home ice.
July 18, 2002: New Orleans Brass ride the pine
The ECHL's 2002/2003 schedule was published today with the New Orleans Brass suspending operations for the 2002/2003 season while they try to secure a new arena lease after being bumped out of New Orleans Arena by the arrival of the NBA's Hornets.
June 6, 2002: East Meets West in 2003
Fresh from the Rumor Mill: California's North County Times reports that the East Coast Hockey League and West Coast Hockey League plan to merge for the 2003/2004 season, creating a newly-named league. When contacted, Jack Carnefix, Director of Communications for the ECHL, said his league has no official comment on the rumor at this time, but he was aware of the article. Only time will tell if the rumor holds water.
May 10, 2002: Grrrowl sweeps Bombers for Kelly Cup
The Greenville Grrrowl defeated the Dayton Bombers 5-2 to complete a 4-0 series sweep in the Kelly Cup Finals! The Kelly Cup Championship was the first for the Grrrowl and second for Head Coach John Marks, who led the Charlotte Checkers in capturing the first Kelly Cup in 1993/1994. His Cup victories are 2 of only 3 series sweeps for ECHL Championships. Simon Gamache and Tyrone Garner were selected as co-MVP's for the playoffs.
February 15, 2002: Mysticks go on Hiatus after Season
The ECHL announced earlier this week that the Mobile Mysticks will suspend operations at the conclusion of the season.
January 22, 2002: South tops North 7-6 in All-Star Game
The Southern Conference held off the Northern Confernce for a 7-6 victory in the 2002 ECHL All-Star Game at Trenton, New Jersey's Sovereign Bank Arena. The Pee Dee Pride's Allan Sirois was selected as the game's MVP with an assist and two goals, including the game-winner. Rosters and boxscore: 2002 ECHL All-Star Game.
December 20, 2001: All-Star Rosters Announced
The league has unveiled the rosters for the 2002 ECHL All-Star Game scheduled for January 22nd at Trenton, New Jersey's Sovereign Bank Arena. Follow the link for details: 2002 ECHL All-Star Game.
October 12, 2001: ECHL Begins 14th Season
The East Coast Hockey League starts its 14th season tonight with 11 games! Six new teams (a net gain of 4 teams with the loss of the Birmingham Bulls and Tallahassee Tiger Sharks) bring the ECHL ranks to a league high of 29 teams. The Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies and Columbia Inferno make debuts tonight, hosting the Wheeling Nailers and South Carolina
Stingrays, respectively. The Reading Royals make their league debut tonight at the Trenton Titans. The Cincinnati Cyclones return to the ECHL on the road tomorrow night, along with the ECHL debuts of the Macon Whoopee and Columbus Cottonmouths.
August 2, 2001: Boardwalk Bullies Unveiled
The Atlantic City ECHL franchise finally has a nickname: Boardwalk Bullies! Follow the links for their logo and team profile. Still no official word on who the Bullies have selected as Head Coach, but an announcement is expected very soon.
July 31, 2001: Titans' Ward Replaces Hall
Former Trenton Titans Head Coach Troy Ward, whose resignation was announced just yesterday, has been named as the East Coast Hockey League's new Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations, replacing Randy Hall. Ward will be in charge of the ECHL's day-to-day operations and responsible for overseeing the league's game officials.
July 23, 2001: Cyclones return to the Coast
As expected, the ECHL couldn't set a bad precedent by leaving the 1st official draft of their 2001/2002 franchise roster and schedule alone. They decided to extend a warm welcome to the defunct IHL's Cincinnati Cyclones, 10 seasons after they first abandoned the East Coast Hockey League for the IHL. The Cyclones switched leagues in 1992/1993 after 2 seasons in the ECHL, while their franchise became the Birmingham Bulls. The
"new" Cyclones are reviving the dormant Miami Matadors franchise while their old franchise leaves Alabama behind for Altantic City, New Jersey. Meanwhile, new owners have put the Roanoke Express back on firm ice, leaving an all-time high of 29 ECHL franchises competing in the upcoming season! That is, of course, providing that the nameless Atlantic City franchise shifts into high gear very soon.
July 5, 2001: Hall Passes on the ECHL
The East Coast Hockey League has announced that Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations Randy Hall will not return for the 2001/2002 season.
July 4, 2001: 28 Teams for 14th ECHL Season, Maybe
The ECHL recently unveiled the franchise lineup and master schedule for the 2001/2002 season, featuring 5 new teams for the leagues' 14th campaign. Two franchises have relocated: the Birmingham Bulls have moved to Atlantic City (name yet to be determined), while the Tallahassee Tiger Sharks have become the new Macon Whoopee (replacing the CHL team by the same name). Meanwhile, the dormant
Hampton Roads Admirals franchise that was originally destined for Atlantic City has instead re-surfaced as the ECHL version of the CHL's Columbus (Georgia) Cottonmouths, while the dormant Columbus (Ohio) Chill franchise is back as the Reading Royals. The expansion Columbia Inferno round out the list of new teams for the 2001/2002 season. Still in limbo for the new season: the troubled Roanoke
Express. The team has been clinging to life during the offseason while the current owners seek someone to sell the franchise to. Recent reports cite two potential buyers, one of which would like to relocate the franchise to replace the CHL's Fayetteville Force (a move unpopular with the ECHL this close to the season's start). ECHL Teams Past and Present.
June 11, 2001: Thunderboltz Join ECHL
The Myrtle Beach Thunderboltz were unveiled as South Carolina's 5th entry into the East Coast Hockey League. South Carolina is already host to the league's Greenville Grrrowl, South Carolina Stingrays, and Pee Dee Pride. The Columbia Inferno are slated to begin play this fall, followed by the Thunderboltz in 2002/2003.
May 27, 2001: Stingrays win Kelly Cup
The South Carolina Stingrays have defeated the Trenton Titans to win the 2000/2001 ECHL Kelly Cup Championship!
April 3, 2001: Playoffs Begin Tonight
The 2000/2001 ECHL Kelly Cup Playoffs begin tonight! Follow the previous link for schedules and results, and check out our preview and predictions in the April 2001 issue of Titanic.
March 31, 2001: Titans Win the Brabham Cup
The Trenton Titans have won the 2000/2001 Brabham Cup as the ECHL's 13th season enters its final weekend of regular season action . The only fully determined playoff matchup entering today's action: The Titans will host the Johnstown Chiefs in the Northern Conference Quarterfinals. Johnstown secured their playoff bid last night with help from a Greensboro loss. The Toledo Storm and Roanoke Express will face each other in the Quarterfinals, but it remains to be seen who will capture home ice advantage. In the Southern Conference, the guillotine has fallen on the Tallahassee Tiger Sharks for violating the ECHL's salary cap. In addition
to hefty fines, the repeat offenders will be penalized 15 points in the standings at the conclusion of the regular season, decisively eliminating them from the playoffs. The Augusta Lynx benefit from the move, securing the tenth and final playoff bid in the South.
February 13, 2001: South Defeats North 9-5
The Southern Conference defeated the Northern Conference 9-5 in the 2001 ECHL All-Star Game. Follow the link for the box score, rosters, and more.
February 9, 2001: Admirals Know When to Fold 'Em
After a severely lethargic effort to re-establish their franchise in Atlantic City, the owners of the former Hampton Roads Admirals have given up their attempts. With their hands full operating their AHL Norfolk Admirals, the owners of the Hampton Roads franchise put little effort into marketing their team in New Jersey. They
have not ruled out finding a new city for their franchise (although the 2001/2002 season would be almost out of the question), while the ECHL is strongly considering the possibility of another franchise moving into Atlantic City. The leading contender is the former Huntington Blizzard franchise which recently failed to relocate to Memphis,
Tennessee.
January 23, 2001: ECHL Says Yahoo For All-Stars
The ECHL has announced that the radio broadcast of February 13th's 2001 ECHL All-Star Game will be available live over the internet via Yahoo's www.broadcast.com, starting at 6:45pm (CST) with the pre-game coverage.
January 18, 2001: ECHL All-Star Teams Named
The East Coast Hockey League has announced the selections for the 2001 ECHL All-Star Game.
November 2, 2000: Chill Returns As Reading Royals
The dormant Columbus Chill franchise will resurface in Pennsylvania as the Reading Royals in 2001/2002. The NHL's Los Angeles Kings purchased the ECHL franchise that ceased operations after the 1998/1999 season in anticipation of the arrival of the NHL's Columbus Blue
Jackets. The Royals will serve as the Kings' ECHL affiliate and play at the 7000-seat Sovereign Center, currently under construction.
October 12, 2000: ECHL Season 13 Begins Tonight
The East Coast Hockey League drops the pucks for season number 13 tonight with 5 games: Kelly Cup Champion Peoria Rivermen at Dayton Bombers, Wheeling Nailers at Johnstown Chiefs,
South Carolina Stingrays at Greenville Grrrowl, Greensboro Generals at Richmond Renegades, and Mobile Mysticks at Mississippi SeaWolves.
September 27, 2000: ECHL Adds OT, Changes Playoffs
The East Coast Hockey League has changed the way that tie games will be resolved for the 2000/2001 season. Games that are tie after regulation will be followed by a 5-minute, 4-on-4 sudden-death overtime (like the NHL). However, games
that remain knotted after overtime will rely on the old shootout format to decide a winner. The game's winner will receive two points regardless of which phase the game is decided in. The team losing in overtime or a shootout will receive one
point with one strange caveat: if a team pulls its goaltender in OT for the extra attacker and loses, the point is forfeited. The league has also changed the Southern Conference's playoff format once again, reducing the number of qualifying teams
to ten. The top 6 teams in the Conference will proceed directly to the Quarterfinals while team 7 plays 10 and team 8 plays 9 in a two-game wild card series. In the event of a tied series at the conclusion of Game Two, the wildcard teams will have an
intermission followed by a 10-minute 'mini-game' to decide who advances to the Quarterfinals. If the mini-game ends in a tie, it will be followed by a 20-minute sudden-death overtime period. If that fails, the ECHL will see which team's Captain can
hold their breath the longest. Just kidding about the last part, but I wouldn't put it past the ECHL.
August 21, 2000: Chiefs Host Tournament
The Johnstown Chiefs will play host to a 4-team ECHL round-robin exhibition tournament October 6th - 8th at the Cambria County War Memorial. The Dayton Bombers, Toledo Storm, and Wheeling Nailers will all be in
town for the event, which will feature two games each day. At stake: the brand new Tri-State Challenge Cup.
August 1, 2000: ECHL Promotes Hall
The East Coast Hockey League has selected Randy Hall to replace Andy Van Hellemond as the league's Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations. Hall was hired as a Director of Hockey Operations for the ECHL last
season.
July 5, 2000: Van Hellemond Leaves the ECHL
Hockey Hall-of-Famer Andy Van Hellemond has resigned as the East Coast Hockey League's Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations to become the NHL's Director of
Officiating. Van Hellemond was widely regarded as the best in the business during his NHL officiating career, very popular among players and officials alike. He was elected
to the Hockey Hall of Fame last year for his twenty-five years of fine service to the NHL. He retired from NHL officiating in 1996 and became an executive with the ECHL.
June 28, 2000: Atlantic City Admirals Coach Brophy Upgraded
Future Atlantic City Admirals head coach John Brophy has been upgraded to serious condition following his Monday morning car accident. He suffered a broken leg and head injuries
in the accident, but is said to be recovering well and anxious to leave the hospital. Brophy was the coach of the Hampton Roads Admirals for 11 seasons, from the first season (1989/1990)
through their last season (1999/2000), and three ECHL championships. The Admirals are doing the old minor league split where they ascend to the AHL as the Norfolk Admirals for the 2000/2001
season but also re-surface as the ECHL's Atlantic City Admirals for 2001/2002. After much red tape, team owners have confirmed that both franchises will use the 'Admirals' name and the Norfolk Admirals
will debut in the AHL this season, despite efforts of their NHL affiliate Chicago Blackhawks to stall the debut for a season. John Brophy intends to remain with the ECHL franchise as head coach.
June 26, 2000: John Brophy in Critical Condition!
Hampton Roads Admirals head coach John Brophy remains in critical condition in a Canadian hospital following a pre-dawn car accident. Brophy was
reportedly making the lengthy drive to Halifax International Airport when his car struck a culvert. He has undergone surgery for a broken leg suffered
in the accident.
May 31, 2000: Rivermen Capture the Kelly Cup!
After dropping the first two games of the Kelly Cup Finals at home to the Louisiana IceGators (3-5, 2-4), things looked pretty grim for the Northern Conference Champion Peoria Rivermen. Heading into the dreaded Cajundome for three games when only two were needed for elimination couldn't have left the Rivermen
with an easy feeling. Fast-forward to double overtime of Game Three when the Rivermen emerge with a 5-4 victory - suddenly, there was hope. Peoria cranked out another victory in Game Four, topping the IceGators 4-2 to even the best-of-seven series. When the Rivermen ended their Bayou road trip with yet another double overtime
victory (6-5) in Game Five, we could see the writing on the wall. Peoria returned home and rallied from behind to force the third overtime showdown of the series and emerged with a 4-3 victory and their first Kelly Cup Championship!
May 20, 2000: The Blizzard is over in Huntington
After seven hapless seasons in the East Coast Hockey League, the Blizzard has run its course in Huntington, West Virginia. Team officials formally announced that their franchise will not play another season in West Virginia due to lagging fan support. Ironically, the Blizzard
turned in a franchise best 35-25-10 regular season record this year. However, Huntington failed to advance past the first round of the ECHL playoffs for the third time in only three appearances in the postseason. Memphis, Tennessee leads the list of possible relocation venues for the
Blizzard franchise with the possibility of starting in the 2000/2001 season.
May 13, 2000: IceGators Muzzle the Grrrowl
After rallying from a 2-1 deficit in their Quarterfinals Series against the Mobile Mysticks, the Greenville Grrrowl gained momentum with a convincing 3-1 series victory over the Augusta Lynx in the Semi-Finals. Meanwhile, the Louisiana IceGators dismissed the defending Kelly Cup Champion Mississippi Sea Wolves 3-1 in the Quarterfinals and swept the South Carolina
Stingrays 3-0 in the Semi-Finals. The Southern Conference Finals between the Grrrowl and the IceGators began with a narrow 5-4 Game One victory for Greenville. In Game Two, it took an ECHL record fourth overtime, but the Grrrowl emerged with a 3-2 win and a 2-0 series lead. Then came three games at the Cajundome. Louisiana posted 6-4, 6-5 (overtime), and 6-3 victories
at home to capture the series lead, but returned to Greenville for the remainder of the series. The IceGators left no doubt who still had the momentum in Game Six, posting a 4-0 shutout over the Greenville Grrrowl to advance to the Kelly Cup Championship against the Peoria Rivermen.
May 10, 2000: Rivermen Win Clash of the Titans
After 3-0 sweeps of the Dayton Bombers in the Quarterfinals and the Johnstown Chiefs in the Semi-Finals, many Rivermen fans thought that the Trenton Titans would be just another formality en route to the Kelly Cup Championship. However, the expansion Trenton Titans weren't about to quit after sweeping the heavily favored Richmond Renegades 3-0 in the Quarterfinals and
rallying from behind to steal a 3-2 series win over the Hampton Roads Admirals. The Rivermen began the Northern Conference Finals with a narrow 7-6 home victory over the Cinderella team from Trenton. Game Two appeared to be a demoralizing 7-2 Peoria thrashing of the Titans that gave the Rivermen a snug 2-0 series lead. Once again, the Trenton Titans would not give in to
the odd-makers and rallied for a 2-1 overtime victory in Game Three. The Rivermen responded with a 5-2 victory at Trenton to force the Titans to the brink of elimination. The Titans refused to have their season end at home and posted a 3-1 victory in Game Five to force a return trip to Peoria. Back on home ice, the Rivermen were finally able to quash the challengers with
a 5-2 victory to advance to the Kelly Cup Finals for the first time in franchise history. They await the winner of the Southern Conference Finals match between the Louisiana IceGators and the Greenville Grrrowl.
May 5, 2000: Cinco de Mayo Marathon
It took an ECHL record of 121 minutes and 24 seconds to decide Game Two of the Southern Conference Finals. The Greenville Grrrowl scored the game winner 84 seconds into the 4th overtime period, hours after the Grrrowl tied the game 2-2 at 9:43 of the 2nd regulation period. The marathon victory gives Greenville a 2-0 series lead over the
Louisiana IceGators. The game was the longest in East Coast Hockey League history, surpassing last year's 110 minute, 37 second Sea Wolves versus Stingrays game.
April 28, 2000: Grrrowl Sinks the Lynx
The underdog run of the tenth-seeded Augusta Lynx has come to an end with a 4-0 Game Four shutout at the hands of the fourth-seeded Greenville Grrrowl. After upseting the seventh-seeded New Orleans Brass 2-1 in the Wildcard Round, and the top-seeded Florida Everblades 3-2 in the Quarterfinals, Augusta
dropped Games One and Two of the Semi-Finals to the Grrrowl 2-1 and 4-2, respectively. With a 4-3 overtime victory in Game Three, it appeared that the Lynx might have a shot at another upset until the Grrrowl shut them out in Game Four 4-0. Greenville advances to the Southern Conference Finals to face the Louisiana
IceGators. While the 'Gators were second seeded for the start of the playoffs, the ECHL re-seeds each subsequent round based on record, giving Greenville home ice advantage.
April 25, 2000: IceGators Sweep South Carolina
The Louisiana IceGators are on the prowl with a 3-game sweep of the team that beat them for the 1996/1997 Kelly Cup Championship. The second-seeded 'Gators posted 4-2, 6-3, and 8-3 victories over the sixth-seeded South Carolina Stingrays to earn their third trip to the Conference Finals in the past four seasons. Their next opponent will be the winner of the Augusta Lynx versus Greenville Grrrowl series (which the Grrrowl leads 2-0).
April 24, 2000: Expansion Titans Sink the Admirals
The expansion Trenton Titans survived the threat of elimination in two consecutive games to dispatch the fourth-seeded Hampton Roads Admirals. The Admirals captured Game One of the series with a 1-0 Jan Lasak shutout, leaving the sixth-seeded Titans to wonder if they could score against the ECHL's Rookie and Goaltender of the Year. It took double overtime in Game Two for the
Titans to earn a 3-2 victory to even the series. After the Admirals won Game Three in Trenton 4-3, the Titans refused to bow out at home and fought back with a 6-3 victory in Game Four. The series was decided in Game Five at the 500-seat Arc Ice practice facility in Chesapeake, Virginia. The Titans posted a 4-2 victory to advance to the Northern Conference Finals against the top-seeded
Peoria Rivermen.
April 21, 2000: Rivermen Remain Undefeated
While the top seed in the Southern Conference choked, the top seed of the Northern Conference appears unstopable. The Peoria Rivermen delivered a swift three-game knockout of the seventh-seeded Johnstown Chiefs to remain the only undefeated team in the playoffs, and advance to the Northern Conference Finals. Peoria captured Game One from the Chiefs with
a 4-3 overtime victory. Peoria added a 7-4 Game Two win and a 2-1 victory in Game Three to complete their second sweep of the playoffs. They will face the winner of the Trenton Titans versus Hampton Roads Admirals series in the Conference Finals.
April 19, 2000: Lynx Upset the Everblades
Call it the Brahbam Cup curse if you want: the Florida Everblades are exhibit "A" in the case that the regular season means nothing when the "Second Season" begins. With their second consecutive 4-2 victory, the tenth-seeded Augusta Lynx upset the Everblades in Game Five of the
Southern Conference Quarterfinals. An ECHL record regular season record didn't help Florida in this seriesas they fell 3-1 at home in Game One. The Everblades bounced back with a 5-3 victory in Game Two and a 4-3 win at Augusta in Game Three to take a 2-1 series lead. Augusta fought back to
capture the final two games and sent the top-seeded Everblades packing. Next up for this year's Cinderella team: the fourth-seeded Greenville Grrrowl. The second-seeded Louisiana IceGators will face the sixth-seeded South Carolina Stingrays in the Southern Conference's other Semi-Finals series.
April 17, 2000: IceGators Dismiss Defending Champs
The second-seeded Louisiana IceGators wasted little time dismissing the defending Kelly Cup Champion Mississippi Sea Wolves. The only ray of light for the eighth-seeded Sea Wolves was a 3-2 double overtime victory in Game Three. The IceGators opened the series with 3-2 and 7-3 victories at home, and closed out the series with
a 4-2 Game Four victory at Mississippi. The IceGators join the South Carolina Stingrays and the Greenville Grrrowl in the Southern Conference Semi-Finals. Pairings will be determined by the outcome of Quarterfinals Game Five between the Augusta Lynx and Florida Everblades on Wednesday. The Everblades, after the best recgular season in ECHL history, are in danger of being upset by
a tenth-seeded wildcard team.
April 16, 2000: Grrrowl Bites Mysticks
The fourth-seeded Greenville Grrrowl rallied from a 2-1 series deficit to dismiss the fifth-seeded Mobile Mysticks. Mobile won Game One 4-1, but the Grrrowl bit back 6-3 in Game Two. After a 5-4 Mobile victory in Game Three, Greenville rallied to post 5-1 and 5-2 victories to
advance to the Southern Conference Semi-Finals.
April 15, 2000: Stingrays Tame the Pride
The sixth-seeded South Carolina Stingrays have tamed the third-seeded Pee Dee Pride with a 4-3 overtime victory in Game Five of the Quarterfinals to advance to the Southern Conference Semi-Finals. The Pride rebounded from a 3-2 loss in Game One to post victories in Game Two (5-1) and Game Three (3-2). With their backs against the wall
in Game Four, South Carolina stung the Pride with an 8-1 victory to even the series. In Game Five, the Stingrays rallied from a 3-1 deficit to force the overtime where they emerged with the series victory.
April 13, 2000: Lizard Kings Suspend Operations
The Jacksonville Lizard Kings have suspended operations in the ECHL. No word yet on a possible franchise relocation. Meanwhile, rumors persist that the Huntington Blizzard may relocate to Memphis, Tennessee for next season.
April 12, 2000: Admirals survive the Blizzard
The fourth-seeded Hampton Roads Admirals narrowly escaped the Northern Conference Quarterfinals with a 3-2 Game Five victory over the fifth-seeded Huntington Blizzard. The Blizzard shutout the Admirals 4-0 in Game One and 3-0 in Game Four, but Hampton Roads prevailed 7-1 and 6-4 in Games
Two and Three. The Admirals will face the sixth-seeded Trenton Titans in the Semi-Finals starting Sunday.
April 9, 2000: Titans sweep Renegades
The sixth-seeded Trenton Titans posted 4-2, 3-0, and 2-0 victories to sweep the defending Northern Conference Champion Richmond Renegades. Trenton will face the winner of the Hampton Roads Admirals versus Huntington Blizzard series in the Semi-Finals.
April 8, 2000: Chiefs upset Express
The seventh-seeded Johnstown Chiefs completed a 3-1 series upset over the Roanoke Express to advance to the Northern Conference Semi-Finals where they will face the top-seeded Peoria Rivermen. The Chiefs posted 3-0, 4-0, and 4-1 victories tarnished only by a 4-3 Express win in Game Two.
April 7, 2000: Ferguson Named Coach of the Year
With the league's best regular season ever added to his resume, Florida Everblades Head Coach Bob Ferguson has been selected as the East Coast Hockey League's Coach of the Year. The 53-15-2 Everblades set ECHL records for wins, points, and win percentage. In two seasons at the helm of the Everblades, he has compiled
a 98-35-7 record.
April 7, 2000: Lynx and Sea Wolves Advance to Quarterfinals
The Augusta Lynx and Mississippi Sea Wolves closed out the Southern Conference Wildcard round with 2-1 series victories tonight. The tenth-seeded Lynx rebounded from a 2-1 overtime loss in Game One against the seventh-seeded Brass and captured Games Two (2-1 in OT) and Three (5-2). The eighth-seeded Sea Wolves
also rebounded from a 2-1 Game One loss to defeat the ninth-seeded Ice Pilots in Games Two (4-2) and Three (4-0). In the Quarterfinals, Augusta will face the top-seeded Florida Everblades while Mississippi faces the second-seeded Louisiana IceGators. Bayou Bubba is a perfect 0-for-4 on his Fearless Predictions.
April 6, 2000: Rivermen Sweep the Bombers
The Northern Conference top-seeded Dayton Bombers became the first team to advance to their Conference Semi-Finals by completing a three game sweep of the Dayton Bombers. Peoria capture Game One at home 6-2, Game Two in overtime at home 3-2, and Game Three
at Dayton 4-3.
April 6, 2000: ECHL Most Valuable Player
The Sher-Wood ECHL Most Valuable Player award has been bestowed upon Toledo Storm right wing Andrew Williamson. Although his team failed to qualify for the playoffs, Williamson notched 63 goals (including a league-leading 26 power play goals) and
collected 39 assists in 63 games played. He also led the league with a 24.2% shooting percentage and had a second place total of 8 shorthanded goals.
April 5, 2000: Stingrays Advance to Quarterfinals
The sixth-seeded South Carolina Stingrays became the first team to win a series in the 1999/2000 ECHL Playoffs, defeating the eleventh-seeded Baton Rouge Kingfish in 2 games to advance to the Southern Conference Quarterfinals. The Stingrays won Game One 6-2 on Tuesday, and prevailed 5-4 in overtime
tonight. They will face the third-seeded Pee Dee Pride in the next round.
April 4, 2000: ECHL Plus Performer of the Month - March/April
Florida Everblades forward Tom Buckley was named the Vic Hockey Plus Peformer of the Month for March/April. He posted a +17 rating for the month, tie with Trenton Titans defenseman Vince Williams, but won the tiebreaker with
more games played.
April 4, 2000: ECHL Rookie of the Month - March/April
The ECHL CCM Rookie of the Month award for March/April goes to Florida Everblades center Reggie Berg. He notched 6 goals and 10 assists in 13 games for March/April.
April 4, 2000: ECHL Goaltender of the Month - March/April
Taras Lendzyk of the Trenton Titans has been named the Vortex Hockey Goaltender of the Month for March/April. He posted a 5-1-0 record with a .955 save percentage
and a 1.33 goals against average for the month. His performance included four road victories and a shutout of the Dayton Bombers.
April 4, 2000: ECHL Player of the Month - March/April
The Sher-Wood Player of the Month for March/April is Louisiana IceGators right wing Jay Murphy. He notched a phenomenal 19 goals and collected 5 assists in just 11 games
for the March/April. His torrid performance included back-to-back hat tricks against the Birmingham Bulls and Jacksonville Lizard Kings, and additional hat tricks against the
Baton Rouge Kingfish and the New Orleans Brass.
April 4, 2000: ECHL Goaltender of the Year
Hampton Roads Admirals goalie Jan Lasak has been named the Vortex Hockey Goaltender of the Year. Lasak posted a 36-17-4 record with a .917 save percentage
and a 2.55 goals against average for the season. He is also this year's CCM Rookie of the Year in the ECHL.
April 3, 2000: Kelly Cup Playoffs Begin Tonight
The 'second season' begins tonight as the Northern Conference top seeded Peoria Rivermen host the eighth seeded Dayton Bombers in a Quarterfinals Series (Best of 5) and the Southern Conference seventh seeded New Orleans Brass host the tenth seeded Augusta Lynx in a Wildcard Series (Best of 3). Follow all the scores on our Playoffs page available from the Home Page or
ECHL Main Page.
April 3, 2000: ECHL Leading Scorer Trophy
Center John Spoltore of the Louisiana IceGators tallied 119 points (27 goals, 92 assists) to outpace the rest of the league and earn his second consecutive scoring title. He has recorded a triple-digit point tally in four of the last five seasons in the ECHL.
April 3, 2000: ECHL Plus Performer of the Year
Florida Everblades left wing Andy MacIntyre was named the Vic Hockey Plus Performer of the Year. He led the ECHL with a +46 rating for the 1999/2000 season.
April 3, 2000: ECHL Awards (Week Ending 4/2)
Richmond Renegades right wing Andrew Shier earned this week's C&T Hockey Products Player of the Week. He notched three goals complimented by seven assists in three games last week. Pee Dee Pride netminder Sandy Allan takes home the
Vortex Hockey Goaltender of the Week award this week. He posted a 3-0-0 record with a .968 save percentage and a 1.12 goals against average for the week, including a shutout of the South Carolina Stingrays.
April 1, 2000: Generals Finish Inaugural Season
The Greensboro Generals became the first ECHL team to see the 1999/2000 season come to a close, finishing on a high note last night with a 4-3 home victory over the Charlotte Checkers. The Generals
complete their inaugural season in the ECHL with a dismal 20-43-7 record, worst in the Northern Conference, second worst in the league. Also disappointing for the Generals was an average home
attendance of only 3,271 fans per game, well below expectations and half of what the ECHL's Greensboro Monarchs drew in their final two seasons (1993-1995) in the ECHL. With the remaining teams
finishing up their regular season either today or tomorrow, the Jackson Bandits will be fighting to unseed either the Augusta Lynx or Baton Rouge Kingfish. The following teams have already been eliminated
from the playoffs: Charlotte Checkers, Greensboro Generals, Wheeling Nailers, Toledo Storm, Tallahassee Tiger Sharks, Jacksonville Lizard Kings, Birmingham Bulls, and Arkansas RiverBlades. Only the Bandits
remain on the outside of the bubble with a hope of breaking in.
ECHL NEWS ARCHIVE 6/23/98 - 3/31/00
