Ahead of the start of the 2023-24 season, we look back at last year's key moments and milestones across the ECHL.
We're weeks away from the kickoff to the 2023-24 ECHL season. With teams putting the final touches on their respective lineups, dotting the I's and crossing the T's on contracts, and finding that secret sauce for season-long success,
But before the puck drops on the 72-game season, THN will look back at the major news and notes from the 2022-23 campaign, outlining the major winners, historic moments, and the need to know from the tale of the tape.
WELCOMING THE GHOST PIRATES
The Savannah Ghost Pirates were granted an expansion membership for the 2022-23 season, becoming the 28th team in the ECHL and striking a one-year affiliation agreement with the Vegas Golden Knights of the NHL and Henderson Silver Knights of the AHL.
Joining the South Division, the club would finish their inaugural season with a record of 28 wins, 34 losses, nine overtime losses, and one shootout loss in 72 games for 68 points, finishing at the bottom of the division.
STEELHEADS MAKE HISTORY
The Idaho Steelheads had a year for the history books, smashing a set of single-season records including home wins (32), wins (58), and points (119).
Despite the monumental achievement, the Steelheads would bow out in four games to the Florida Everblades in the Kelly Cup finals, who won their second consecutive Kelly Cup.
FLORIDA EVERBLADES, NEXT ECHL DYNASTY?
Speaking of the champ, Florida's sweep of the mighty Steelheads continues their modern-day domination of the ECHL.
The club banked their second consecutive Kelly Cup off the back of a sparkling MVP performance from goaltender Cam Johnson for their third-ever league title.
The Blades look to become the first team in ECHL history to win three straight league titles.
AND THE WINNER IS...
Ten individual trophies and awards were handed out at the conclusion of the 2022-23 season, with some new names and familiar faces recognized.
Hank Crone of the Allen Americans was awarded the ECHL Most Valuable Player, Leading Scorer Award, and Rookie of the Year titles for his all-star level season.
Cam Johnson of the Florida Everblades earned his second straight Kelly Cup Playoffs Most Valuable Player title, while John Lethemon of the Toledo Walleye secured the ECHL Goaltender of the Year honors.
Capping off a historic season, Idaho Steelheads Head Coach Everett Sheen was named the John Brophy winner for coach of the year, with Steelheads blueliner Owen Headrick winning Defenseman of the Year.
Elsewhere, Cody Haiskanen and Matthew Register of the Steelheads shared the Plus Performer Award, Zach O'Brien of the Newfoundland Growlers was named Sportsmanship Award winner, and Chaz Reddekopp of the South Carolina Stingrays took home the Community Service Award.
MIKE PELECH: IRON MAN
Atlanta Gladiators forward Mike Pelech became the ECHL's all-time leader in games played in 2022-23.
Pelech took the ice for his 860th career league game on February 14th, a fitting Valentine's Day gift to fans, and a testament to his determination and longevity.
ECHL PLAYERS DEBUT IN THE NHL
A grand total of 29 former ECHL players made their National Hockey League debuts in 2022-23.
The nearly three dozen ECHL alumni cracking the NHL brings the number of players to have played in the NHL after time spent in the ECHL to 727, with 471 of those occurring in the past 17 seasons.
ECHL ALUMNI HOIST STANLEY'S CUP
For the 23rd year in a row, the ECHL was represented on the Stanley Cup-winning club.
Sixteen ECHL alumnists were a part of the league champions Vegas Golden Knights including Head Coach Bruce Cassidy and players Jonathan Quick, Logan Thompson, Laurent Brossoit, and Adin Hill.