The ECHL, or East Coast Hockey League, is a professional ice hockey league in North America. Founded in 1988, it serves as a developmental league for players aspiring to reach the NHL (National Hockey League) and AHL (American Hockey League). The league features teams primarily located in the eastern United States, but it has expanded to include teams in other regions as well. The ECHL operates under a schedule that typically runs from October to April, followed by playoffs. It is known for its competitive play and has produced many players who have gone on to have successful careers in the NHL. The league also emphasizes community engagement and fan interaction.