The world of hockey is a complex ecosystem, with teams of various sizes and aspirations.
While many NHL and AHL franchises have established affiliations with ECHL (East Coast Hockey League) teams to aid in player development, it’s not a universal practice.
In this exploration, we delve into the intriguing question of why some hockey teams opt not to have an ECHL affiliate.
From financial considerations to geographic factors and alternative development strategies, there are multifaceted reasons behind these decisions.
By understanding the motivations and challenges that underlie the absence of ECHL affiliations, we gain insight into the dynamic landscape of hockey development.