The ECHL announced Tuesday that it will be expanding its league by seven teams for the 2014-15 season.
ECHL commissioner Brian McKenna confirmed that the league’s board of governors approved the membership applications of the Allen Americans, Brampton Beast, Missouri Mavericks, Quad City Mallards, Rapid City Rush, Tulsa Oilers and Wichita Thunder for admission. All seven clubs were members of the Central Hockey League until merging over.
"The ECHL is very pleased to welcome these new members to the league," said McKenna. "These additions strengthen our base in the centre of the country and give the ECHL, for the first time, a true national presence. It expands our ability to act as a development league and more closely aligns our number of teams with both the American Hockey League and the National Hockey League."
The seven expansion teams give the league 28 for its 27th season, which begins Oct. 17. Updates to the 2014-15 ECHL playing schedule, divisional alignment and the format for the 2015 Kelly Cup Playoffs still need to be worked out.
"There will be logistical challenges in the short term, however, in the long term, it is certainly in the best interest of the ECHL, the new members and minor-league hockey in general," said McKenna.
The Brampton Beast are currently the only Canadian franchise in the ECHL. Team president and general Manager Cary Kaplan says the Beast should benefit from the transition.
"This is great news for the City of Brampton," said Kaplan. "As the CHL joins the ECHL this means there will be more teams, closer rivals, and long-term strength in a league with great history and a long line of NHL alumni."
The ECHL serves as a development league for both the American Hockey League and NHL. Currently 28 NHL teams are affiliated with an ECHL club.