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Record 78 ECHL Players On NHL Opening-Day Rosters

Published on October 1, 2009 under ECHL (ECHL) News Release


PRINCETON, N.J. - The ECHL has 78 players on National Hockey League opening-day rosters, surpassing the record 71 players a year ago and marking the seventh season in a row with more than 50 former ECHL players on opening-day rosters.

The Premier 'AA' Hockey League, the ECHL has former players on 29 of the 30 teams and has affiliations with 27 of the 30 teams in the NHL, marking the 13th consecutive season that the league has had affiliations with at least 20 teams in the NHL.

There are 26 coaches with an ECHL background working behind the benches of teams in the NHL including Washington Capitals head coach Bruce Boudreau and New York Islanders head coach Scott Gordon of the New York Islanders while former ECHL player Dan Bylsma is head coach of the Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins. It is the fifth consecutive season that there have been 11 or more coaches with an ECHL background working in the NHL. Boudreau, who coached Mississippi for three seasons winning the Kelly Cup championship in 1999, was named NHL Coach of the Year in 2007-08 becoming the first former ECHL coach to receive the award.

There are 20 former ECHL officials scheduled to work as part of the NHL officiating team in 2009-10 with referees David Banfield, Francis Charron, Chris Ciamaga, Ghislain Herbert, Marc Joannette, Mike Leggo, Wes McCauley, Dean Morton, Dan O'Rourke, Brian Pochmara, Kevin Pollock, Kyle Rehman, Chris Rooney, Justin St. Pierre and Ian Walsh, and linesmen Steve Barton, Bryan Pancich, Brian Mach, Tim Nowak and Jay Sharrers.

There have been 407 players who have played in the NHL after playing in the ECHL including a record 52 in 2008-09. The ECHL has had 215 players reach the NHL since 2002-03 when it changed its focus to become the primary developmental league for the NHL and the AHL. The ECHL had 97 players reach the NHL in its first 10 seasons and 215 in the first 15 years. There have been 151 ECHL players who have played their first game in the last four seasons for an average of more than 37 per year.

There were nine players who played in the ECHL and the NHL in 2008-09 with goaltenders Matt Climie (Idaho and Dallas), Riku Helenius (Elmira, Mississippi and Tampa Bay), Chris Holt (Alaska and St. Louis), Michal Neuvirth (South Carolina and Washington) and Marek Schwarz (Alaska and St. Louis), defensemen Wes O'Neill (Johnstown and Colorado), Raymond Macias (Johnstown and Colorado) and Kevin Quick (Augusta, Elmira and Tampa Bay) and right wing Joel Rechlicz (Utah and New York Islanders).

The ECHL was represented for the ninth year in a row on the Stanley Cup champion with Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Dan Bylsma, player Ruslan Fedotenko, equipment managers Dana Heinze and Dave Zeigler, athletic trainers Chris Stewart and Scott Adams and scout Derek Clancey. There were 43 former players and 14 former coaches on 15 of the 16 teams competing in the National Hockey League's Stanley Cup Playoffs, marking the fourth year in a row that there have been at least 30 former ECHL players and the sixth consecutive season that over 25 players with ECHL experience have competed in the NHL postseason.

Former ECHL and current Boston Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas was the recipient of the Vezina Trophy as the top goaltender in the NHL and was also presented the William Jennings Trophy with teammate Manny Fernandez as the goaltenders finishing the season having surrendered the fewest goals. Thomas was also named First Team All-NHL after registering a career-high 36 wins while leading the NHL with a goals-against average of 2.10 and a save percentage of .933 to help the Bruins finish with the most wins (53) and points (116) since 1971-72.

The ECHL was represented in the 2009 NHL All-Star Game by Mark Streit of the New York Islanders and Tim Thomas of the Boston Bruins while former ECHL players Dan Ellis, Jonathan Quick and Tomas Vokoun were all selected as recipients of the NHL's "Three Stars" award in 2008-09.

The first ECHL player to play in the NHL was Johnstown Chiefs goaltender and current New York Islanders head coach Scott Gordon, who played his first game with the Quebec Nordiques against Buffalo on Jan. 30, 1990. The 100th player honor is shared by Jean Sebastien Aubin and Manny Legace, who both made their debut on Oct. 21, 1998 with the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Los Angeles Kings, respectively. The 200th player was Brett McLean with the Chicago Blackhawks on Dec. 10, 2002 while the 300th was David Liffiton with the New York Rangers on Apr. 11, 2006 and the 400th was Phil Oreskovic on Mar. 9, 2009 with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Former ECHL broadcasters working in the National Hockey League include John Ahlers and Steve Carroll of the Anaheim Ducks, Tom Callahan of the Nashville Predators, Dave Goucher of the Boston Bruins, Chris Kerber of the St. Louis Blues, Dave Mishkin of the Tampa Bay Lightning, Bob McElligott and John Michael of the Columbus Blue Jackets and Rob Simpson, who is a producer/host for The NHL Network.

Ryan Stanzel and Jeremy Zager, who were both recipients of the ECHL Media Relations Director of the Year award, are working in the communications department for the Minnesota Wild and the Los Angeles Kings, respectively. Former ECHL assistant director of communications Joe Siville and Kelly Murray are now with the Philadelphia Flyers and the Washington Capitals, respectively, while former ECHL director of communications Jason Rothwell is the creative director for the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Former ECHL Coaches and Players On NHL Opening Day Rosters:

Players in italics have never played in NHL
(IR) - Injured Reserve

Anaheim Ducks (Bakersfield Condors) - Assistant coach Dave Farrish (Louisiana, 2000-04 and Pensacola, 2004-05), video coach Joe Trotta (Peoria, 2000-01), Evgeny Artyukhin (Pensacola, 2003-04), Sheldon Brookbank (Mississippi, 2001-02) and George Parros (Reading, 2003-04).

Atlanta Thrashers (Gwinnett Gladiators) - Eric Boulton (Charlotte, 1996-98; Florida, 1998-99 and Columbia, 2004-05), Josh Gratton (San Diego, 2003-04 and Trenton, 2004-05), Johan Hedberg (Baton Rouge, 1997-98), Rich Peverley (South Carolina, 2004-05 and Reading, 2005-06) and Matt Siddall (IR) (Gwinnett, 2008-09).

Boston Bruins (Reading Royals) - Assistant coach Geoff Ward (Arkansas, 1999-2000), Levi Nelson (IR) (Reading, 2008-09), Michael Ryder (Tallahassee, 2000-01 and Mississippi, 2001-02) and Tim Thomas (Birmingham, 1997-98).

Buffalo Sabres - Associate coach Brian McCutcheon (Columbus, 1996-97), Matt Ellis (Toledo, 2002-03) and Patrick Lalime (Hampton Roads, 1994-95).

Calgary Flames (Utah Grizzlies) - Director of goalie development Jaime McLennan (Richmond, 1991-92), Jason Jaffray (Roanoke, 2002-03 and Wheeling, 2003-05) and Adam Pardy (Las Vegas, 2005-06).

Carolina Hurricanes (Florida Everblades) - Joe Corvo (Hampton Roads, 1998-99) and Chad LaRose (Florida, 2003-04).

Chicago Blackhawks (Toledo Walleye) - Assistant coach Mike Haviland (Trenton, 1999-2001 and 2004-05 and Atlantic City, 2001-04), video coach Ryan Stewart (Greenville, 1998-2002 and 2003-04 and Florida, 2002-03), assistant coach John Torchetti, developmental goaltending coach Wade Flaherty (Greensboro, 1989-90) and Radek Smolenak (Johnstown, 2006-07 and Mississippi, 2007-08).

Colorado Avalanche (Charlotte Checkers) - Matt Hendricks (Florida, 2004-05), David Koci (Wheeling, 2002-03) and Cody McLeod (San Diego, 2005-06).

Columbus Blue Jackets (Gwinnett Gladiators) - Assistant coach Claude Noel (Roanoke, 1990-91, Dayton, 1991-93 and Toledo, 2002-03).

Dallas Stars (Idaho Steelheads) - Assistant coach Charlie Huddy (Huntington, 1996-97), goaltending coach Mike Valley (Augusta, 1998-2000; Louisiana, 1999-2001; Wheeling, 2002-03 and Peoria, 2003-04), Alex Auld (Columbia, 2001-02), Krys Barch (Richmond, 2001-02 and Greenville, 2004-06), Luke Gazdic (IR) (Idaho, 2008-09), Warren Peters (IR) (Idaho, 2003-05) and Tom Wandell (Idaho, 2007-08).

Edmonton Oilers (Stockton Thunder) - Jeff Drouin-Deslauriers (Greenville, 2004-06) and Steve MacIntyre (Charlotte, 2003-06).

Florida Panthers (Florida Everblades) - Kamil Kreps (Texas, 2004-05) and Tomas Vokoun (Wheeling, 1995-96).

Los Angeles Kings (Ontario Reign) - Assistant coach Jamie Kompon (Hampton Roads, 1989-90; Cincinnati, 1990-91 and Winston-Salem, 1990-91), Raitis Ivanans (Pensacola, 1999-2000 and Toledo and Baton Rouge, 2001-02), Jonathan Quick (Reading, 2007-08) and Richard Clune (IR) (Idaho, 2007-08).

Minnesota Wild - Derek Boogaard (IR) (Louisiana, 2002-03), Andrew Brunette (Hampton Roads, 1993-94) and Shane Hnidy (Baton Rouge, 1996-97 and Florida).

Montreal Canadiens (Cincinnati Cyclones) - Scott Gomez (Alaska, 2004-05), Jaroslav Halak (Long Beach, 2005-06), Glen Metropolit (Nashville, 1995-96 and Pensacola, 1996-97), Greg Stewart (Cincinnati, 2006-07) and Tom Pyatt (Charlotte, 2007-08).

Nashville Predators (Cincinnati Cyclones) - Assistant coach Peter Horachek (Louisville, 1990-91 and Trenton, 2001-02), Dan Ellis, (Idaho, 2003-04), Ben Guite (Tallahassee, 2000-01) and Jerred Smithson (Trenton, 2000-01).

New Jersey Devils (Trenton Devils) - Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond (Trenton, 2006-08).

New York Islanders (Utah Grizzlies) - Head coach Scott Gordon (Johnstown, 1988-89, Nashville, 1992-93 and Roanoke, 1998-2000), assistant coach Scott Allen (Carolina, 1988-89; Winston-Salem, 1989-90; Erie, 1989-90; Greensboro, 1989-90; Cincinnati, 1990-91 and Johnstown, 1996-97), assistant coach Mike Dunham (Gwinnett, 2005-06), Martin Biron (South Carolina, 1997-98), Mark Flood (IR) (Dayton, 2005-06), Joel Rechlicz (Utah, 2008-09) and Mark Streit (Tallahassee, 1999-2000).

New York Rangers (Charlotte Checkers) - Video coach Jerry Dineen (Winston-Salem, 1990-92 and Raleigh, 1991-92), Daniel Girardi (Charlotte, 2005-06) and Stephen Valiquette (Hampton Roads, 1998-99 and Trenton 1999-2000).

Ottawa Senators (Elmira Jackals) - Chris Neil (Mobile, 1999-2000).

Philadelphia Flyers (Kalamazoo Wings) - Daniel Carcillo (Wheeling, 2005-06), Riley Cote (Dayton, 2003-04), Michael Teslak (Elmira, 2008-09 and Mississippi, 2008-09) and Ole-Kristian Tollefsen (Dayton, 2004-05).

Phoenix Coyotes (Las Vegas Wranglers) - Paul Bissonnette (Wheeling, 2005-08), Vern Fiddler (Arkansas, 2000-01 and Roanoke, 2001-02), Jason LaBarbera (Charlotte, 2000-02) and Daniel Winnik (Phoenix, 2006-07).

Pittsburgh Penguins (Wheeling Nailers) - Head coach Dan Bylsma (Greensboro, 1992-94), Ruslan Fedotenko (Trenton, 1999-2000) and Mark Letestu (IR) (Wheeling, 2007-08).

San Jose Sharks (Kalamazoo Wings) - Goalie coach Corey Schwab (Cincinnati, 1991-92), assistant coach Matt Shaw (Mobile, 1997-98), assistant coach Jay Woodcroft (Jackson, 1999-2000), Thomas Greiss (Fresno, 2006-07) and Jody Shelley (Johnstown, 1998-2000).

St. Louis Blues (Alaska Aces) - B.J. Crombeen (Idaho, 2005-07) and D.J. King (IR) (Alaska, 2005-06).

Tampa Bay Lightning - Todd Fedoruk (Trenton, 1999-2000), Zenon Konopka (Idaho, 2003-04), Mike Smith (Lexington, 2002-03) and Matt Walker (Peoria, 2000-01).

Toronto Maple Leafs (Reading Royals) - Skating coach Graeme Townshend (Greensboro, 2001-02), Francois Beauchemin (Mississippi, 2001-02), Jeff Finger (Reading, 2003-04), Jay Rosehill (Johnstown, 2005-07 and Mississippi, 2007-08).

Vancouver Canucks (Victoria Salmon Kings) - Alexandre Burrows (Greenville, 2002-03; Baton Rouge, 2002-03 and Columbia, 2003-05).

Washington Capitals (South Carolina Stingrays) - Head coach Bruce Boudreau (Mississippi, 1996-99), goaltending coach Arturs Irbe (Johnstown, 2003-04), assistant coach Bob Woods, Boyd Kane (Charlotte, 1998-2001), Quintin Laing (Jackson, 2001-02), Tyler Sloan (Dayton, 2002-03 and 2004-05 and Las Vegas, 2005-06) and Dave Steckel (Reading, 2004-05).

Premier 'AA' Hockey League Fast Facts
- The ECHL celebrated its 20th Anniversary in 2007-08 and is the third-longest tenured professional hockey league behind only the National Hockey League and the American Hockey League.
- ECHL began in 1988-89 with five teams in four states and has grown to be a coast-to-coast league with 20 teams in 15 states and British Columbia in 2009-10.
- The league officially changed its name from East Coast Hockey League to ECHL on May 19, 2003.
- ECHL has affiliations with 25 of the 29 teams in the American Hockey League and for the past 20 years there has been an ECHL player on the Calder Cup Champion.
- In the last six seasons the ECHL has had more call-ups to the AHL than all other professional leagues combined with over 2,500 call-ups involving more than 1,300 players and in 2008-09 there were 10 times as many call-ups from the ECHL to the AHL than all other professional leagues.
- Further information on the ECHL is available from its website at ECHL.com.

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