ECHL Announces New Division and Play-off Format
The ECHL announced today that the seven CHL teams would form the Central Division of the ECHL's Western Conference. The Cincinnati Cyclones, Evansville IceMen, Fort Wayne Komets, Indy Fuel, Kalamazoo Wings Toledo Walleye, and Wheeling Nailers will form the Northern Division of the Eastern Conference.
The East Division of the EC will be the Elmira Jackals, Florida Everblades, Greenville Road Warriors, Gwinnett Gladiators, Orlando Solar Bears, Reading Royals, and South Carolina Stingrays.
The Pacific Division of the WC will be the Alaska Aces, Bakersfield Condors, Colorado Eagles, Idaho Steelheads, Ontario Reign, Stockton Thunder, and Utah Grizzlies.
The top four teams in each division will be in the play-offs, where all four rounds will be best-of-seven. The first two rounds will be division only. The North Division champions will face the East Division champions in the Eastern Conference Finals, and the Central Division champions will face the Pacific Division champions in the Western Conference Finals. The Final battle for the Kelly Cup will be East against West.