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Safety Netting Mandated For ECHL Arenas

July 24th, 2002

PRINCETON, N.J. � With fan safety of the utmost concern, the East Coast Hockey League on Wednesday mandated that all ECHL teams install netting above the glass that borders the corners and end zones of their arenas. The height and design of the netting configuration may vary, due to structural differences from venue to venue, but must be of sufficient dimension to prevent pucks from entering the spectator areas in the corners and end zones of their rinks.

In reviewing the netting policy implemented by both the National Hockey League and the American Hockey League, the ECHL determined it should take similar measures. ECHL teams had affiliations with 25 of the 30 teams in the NHL and 22 of the 27 teams in the AHL during the 2001-02 season.

Teams will work with their individual venues, netting manufacturers and suppliers to determine the system best suited to their arena, and installation of the systems must be completed as soon as it is achievable.

The ECHL Board of Governors was advised of the mandate during its teleconference on Monday. No vote of the Board was required for the implementation of the mandate.

Formed in 1988-89 with five teams in three states, the ECHL opens its 15th Anniversary season on October 11 with 27 teams in 14 states, including the newest market in Lexington, Ky., playing 972 games during 2002-03.

There have been 191 former ECHL players that have gone on to play in the National Hockey League including 82 during the 2001-02 season. In addition to players, former ECHL officials, front office personnel and coaches, including New York Islanders head coach Peter Laviolette and Washington Capitals head coach Bruce Cassidy, have advanced to the NHL.

The ECHL had 400 call ups to the 27 teams of the AHL during the 2001-02 season. The ECHL had 356 call ups to the 20 AHL teams and the 11 IHL teams during the 2000-01 season. The ECHL had a record 453 call ups to the 19 teams in the AHL and the 13 teams in the IHL during the 1999-2000 season and 375 call ups to the 19 teams in the AHL and the 16 teams in the IHL during the 1998-99 season.