The ECHL Expands Again

Only a matter of minutes ago (right after I pushed publish on the last post in fact), the Colorado Eagle announced they were leaving the CHL to join the ECHL. Obviously, this is great news for the league. The Eagles have, over the course of 8 seasons won the CHL's President's Cup twice, three regular season titles, five conference titles and six division titles. Frankly, they were one of the best teams in CHL and having them decide to jump on board with the ECHL is a huge vote of confidence.

The Eagles will basically be replacing the the now defunct Victoria Salmon Kings. You may remember they called it quits at the end of their season because their ownership decided to field a team in the WHL. Of course the Western Conference will continue to be unbalanced compared to the East (especially when you remember Chicago will be playing their first ECHL season in 11-12). It is a step in the right direction. The rumors that the Rapid City Rush are planning to join the ECHL would be an even better step.


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Overall, I can't think of this as anything but really great news. It says great things about the league to have teams willing to leave their league to join us. I do worry a bit for the fans though. It will be hard for them to see some of their favorites leave, and some players will have to leave. Whether because of the ECHLs tighter roster restrictions or because former players might not be up to keep up with the playing style. Obviously, that part will suck, but seeing prospects from their NHL and AHL affiliates will be more than worth it.

Of course that will lead to the bane of every ECHL fans existence: constant, poorly timed, call-ups (good lord I hate those).

THERE'S ANOTHER TEAM IN TOWN

Germain Arena is not only home to the ECHL Everblades, the Lady Everblades or the Junior B Jr. Blades, but it is also home to the Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) Eagles. FGCU has two club Hockey teams that play in the Division II & Division III levels of the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA). FGCU is a 12 year-old University, built on everglades reserves and populating over 10,000 students with just as much wildlife. FGCU Ice Hockey is in its 7th year and has made consecutive appearances at Regionals, Nationals and will continue to do so throughout the years.

With a new team in town, comes their Blogger, me. My name is Jamie N. Flatley and I am a senior at FGCU. I am an Elementary Education and I LOVE Hockey. I do not have the skills to skate, Id prefer running up and down a field with a Lacrosse stick in hand, but I met several members of the team as a freshman and have been hooked ever since. This is my 3rd year as the Director of Game Day Operations and Co-Director of Volunteers for the program and last March I had the honor of Co-Directing the ACHA D3 National Tournament that took place right here in Estero, FL.

The D2 and D3 Eagles are looking forward to an exciting year with lots of new talent, and most of the old. Last year, the D2 team said good-bye to seven starting Seniors and one of them was welcomed to the American Hockey League (AHL) Deal. Eagles Alumni Mike Sellitto signed an entry level contract with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. We wish him the best of luck and cannot wait to see him in the Pros!

For rosters, schedules and news updates, please check out the FGCU Hockey Website: and their Facebook Fan Page:

Until next time, be loud, be proud & GO EAGLES!


Photo courtesy of: FGCU Ice Hockey

News and Notes

First, some Everblades alumni news:
- Josh Harding had what is likely be a season ending injury. This means that former Everblades goalie Anton Khudobin has a chance to earn the back-up job in Minnesota. You can read about his rough start in last night's game here.

- A wonderful reader sent me pictures of Ryan Lang practicing in the Netherlands a couple of weeks ago (I think an e-mail was lost somewhere along the way). Thanks for the awesome pictures!

 

Also, If you remember I went to the Jr. Everblades exhibition game against the FGCU Eagles. I was really impressed by both teams. I really do recommend seeing both teams play, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

-  I've added a page for the Jr. Blades with their roster and calendar, and I've done the same for the Eagles.

- Pictures Fridays game are on Flickr. You can check out the set here.

- A couple of the Jr. Blades are on twitter, here's the teams official list.