The East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) is a professional ice hockey league in North America, established in 1988. It serves as a developmental league for players aspiring to reach the National Hockey League (NHL) and the American Hockey League (AHL). The ECHL features teams primarily located in the eastern United States, with a focus on providing competitive hockey at a lower level than the NHL. The league consists of various teams that compete for the Kelly Cup, awarded annually to the playoff champion. The ECHL has a reputation for fostering talent, with many players moving on to successful careers in the NHL and AHL.