NHL
The NHL is a league for the absolute best hockey players in the world. The league is made up of 30 teams. Of the 30 teams, 23 are in the United States, and the other 7 are in Canada. The teams in the NHL play 82 regular season games, then the teams that make the playoffs compete for the greatest trophy in all of sports, the Stanley Cup.
AHL
The AHL is basically one step down from the NHL. The minor league of hockey if you will. Each team in the AHL is affiliated with one of the teams in the NHL. The players in the AHL are not quite the same level as the players of the NHL, but are definitely no slouch. Players in the AHL could be called up to the NHL at any time. The AHL also has 30 teams and plays 82 regular season games, but the trophy that they are competing for is called the Calder Cup.
ECHL
The ECHL is essentially one step down from the AHL. There are a ton of good players in the ECHL as well. The ECHL consists of 28 teams all competing for the Kelly Cup. I am not as familiar with the ECHL as I am with the other two major leagues, but I do know a few people who play in the league and they are some of the best players I know.
All three leagues are very fast paced and fun to watch.
This was definitely something I didn't know about hockey. Thanks for the new piece of knowledge! I do think out of these three leagues that I'd definitely prefer to watch the NHL (the best of the best!)
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