Comments on: How do the NHL, AHL and ECHL Differ – a Goalie’s Perspective

By: Paul Szabo

Paul Szabo — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 01:12:13 +0000

Kudos for your excellent article. Who said that hockey guys can’t be skilled with a pen too?

I would be interested to hear your insight on the fan base in some of these far flung destinations. I have the hardest time imagining that there are real hockey fans in places like Texas or Nevada, where bowling, poker games or tractor pulls seem to get higher ratings. Do people really like hockey in these cities? Do they think of it on the same cheesy sort of level as roller derby or WWF?

Maybe I am being smug because I live in Quebec where people live and die for hockey (the Quebec Montreal reality series has just started and this Sunday there will be near 15 thousand people to see a garage league game!), but I continue to believe that Gary Bettman and co. have flopped in their idea of pushing expansion in the sun belt.

By: ShogiBear

ShogiBear — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 20:53:56 +0000

Great piece! It confirmed what I always kind of suspected: that the real difference is the players “hockey sense.” I have seen some amazing ECHL games, and some not so amazing NHL games, and it seemed like the skill levels are not as far off as one might think. Like the above commenters, I would love to hear about the equipment and the background stuff that us rec-league goalies may never get to see!

By: Kris

Kris — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 17:06:20 +0000

Mike,

Awesome to have you at InGoal, its always great to get a “ture” perspective instead of always wondering. I used to stand in for a goalie in the ECHL a long time ago (Toledo) in practice because he was lazy, and didn’t like taking shots in practice. While that was awesome for me, now I realize why he was a career ECHL goalie! He played decent in games, just never had the work ethic to take it to the next level.

I can remember the buys talking about getting summer jobs in the locker room, and wondering “well why?” they were pro hockey players, now I know why!!!!

Thanks for the article and look forward to many more.

Here is a question for you, as I am sure we have all wondered this:

How do you get your equipment through your team?(I am assuming equip manager) Whats the process?, do you have full control? Are you directed towards certain brands like they are in Major juniors? Do you have a limit on the gear? What do you do if you don’t like the stuff you got?

Thanks!!!

By: Jason Power

Jason Power — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 13:49:28 +0000

Pure class act…Lord knows STL is proud to be his home.

By: Jeremy T

Jeremy T — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:55:19 +0000

I really like this article because you explain all the differences. I did not know how drastic the pay is between the different leagues. I like how you go into depth on goaltenders experiences. I also just started reading this blog and you really go into depth on equipment and regulations and explainations on what people use for equipment. Anyway going back to your post, I like how you talk about your past experiences in the system and what the reality is for a goaltender to make the show. Overall a great article. I am starting a blog on hockey equipment and would like to use you guys (attribute you of course) and also to get interviews. Anyway hope all is well and I will continue you reading!

Best.