Through conflict and at times confusion, the EHL or Eastern Hockey League, had one of it’s most successful campaigns in 2024-25. Here are some of its success stories..
Commitments- Despite some Advisors and Online Keyboard Warriors predictions that the commitments would plummet, the EHL with less teams in 2025 than in 2024, still announced over 100 NCAA hockey commitments with that number growing daily. Here is the link to track the EHL’s commitment numbers- 2024-25 NCAA Commitments
These totals are rapidly out pacing the NA3HL- College Commitments | North American Tier III Hockey League | NA3HL
The USPHL Premier as well, as they are now mostly announcing ACHA Commitments- USPHL Premier 2024-25 Commitments • USPHL – United States Premier Hockey League
Alumni- The EHL does not talk about their Alumni often but their Alumni in 2024-25 had some remarkable years. These include:
2014-15 EHL Rookie of the Year Cam Dineen played NHL Games with Edmonton.
2015-16 EHL MVP and Forward of the Year Eduards Tralmaks led the Kladno Knights (Czech Pro) in scoring and signed a contract witht the Detroit Red Wings- Eduards Tralmaks – Detroit Red Wings Left Wing – ESPN
Marc Del Gaizo played in the EHL in 2015-16 and scored his first NHL goals this season for the Nashville Predators- Marc Del Gaizo – Stats, Contract, Salary & More
Cayden Primeau played 11 games in nets for the storied Montreal Canadiens franchise- Montreal Canadiens 2024-25 roster and scoring statistics at hockeydb.com
Devin Phillips was 2nd in scoring at NCAA D1 Holy Cross- College of the Holy Cross – Roster, News, Stats & more
Here is a link to Elite Prospects “Here are they Now” section that shows EHL alumni players leading NAHL, ECHL, and AHL teams in scoring- Elite Prospects – EHL – Where are they now?
Level of Play- EHL reporter Anthony DiPaolo quoted “The Eastern Hockey League (EHL) aced its College Series this week, earning three wins against NCAA programs including one against a top-10 nationally ranked program.
It is the first time the EHL has picked up multiple wins against collegiate teams in a single season, as all three teams earned a victory. The Northeast All-Stars defeated Keene State College 5-3. The Mid-Atlantic All-Stars knocked down Post University 5-3, and the Main All-Stars beat Elmira College 3-1.” – Story reprinted via EHL website here- All-Star College Series Game Recaps
Taking a team of 18-20 year olds who do not play together regularly and defeating a Top 10 ranked NCAA DIII Program (Elmira) is a terrific achievement by the EHL and its member organizations.
Remarkable success despite changes in both the NCAA and Junior Hockey landscape. The EHL and its member organizations has much to be proud of in 2024-25, and the future looks promising in 2025-26 with a smaller collection of teams comprised of committed and dedicated programs to the league.
By Andrew Trimble
To purchase Andrew’s new book, The Hockey Planner, follow this link here- The Hockey Planner: A Year by Year Plan to Assist You on Your Hockey Coaching Journey: From Learn to Play to Junior Hockey: Trimble, Andrew: 9781963743395: Amazon.com: Books
