On this edition of the Hockey Talk Podcast, The Sin Bin’s Matthew Harding catches up with the ECHL Commissioner, Ryan Crelin, at the 2020 ECHL All-Star Classic in Wichita, Kansas.
The two discuss a wide variety of topics, including:
- The viability of the ECHL All-Star Classic
- Inclusion of women in the 2020 ECHL All-Star Classic and will we see it going forward
- Should the All-Star Classic be seen as a developmental showcase or should it be a competition that features the best players in the league?
- Instant replay feedback
- Feedback about the new fighting rule in the league and how does the new rule make it important is it to have a tight leash on repeat offenders?
- Rule change on the number of games contracted players need to play in order to be eligible for the Kelly Cup Playoffs
- Is there concern that the league will become a less-desirable place for non-contracted players to play because AHL/NHL teams are loading up ECHL teams with contracted players?
- The relationship with the ECHL & SPHL
- Expansion; including the possibility of a franchise in Trois-Rivieres, Quebec
- Future markets on the horizon; possibly Iowa City, Iowa and Fort Worth, Texas
- What benefits has the league seen from the former Central Hockey League franchises?
- Status of the two-referee system
- Reducing the number of games in the regular season
- Navigating the first season at the helm of the ECHL
- Thoughts on AHL President David Andrews‘ imminent retirement
