The 2007–08 ECHL season was the 20th season of the ECHL.
Two teams suspended operations at the end of the 2006–07 season, the Long Beach Ice Dogs and the Toledo Storm. Toledo's suspension was granted after the International League baseball franchise Toledo Mud Hens acquired the Storm and requested a suspension of the team for two years in order to allow a new arena to be built in downtown Toledo to open in 2009, when the team returned to play.
The league officially welcomed back the Mississippi Sea Wolves, who had to suspend operations for two seasons (2005–07) because of damage to the Mississippi Coast Coliseum caused by Hurricane Katrina.[1] The Elmira Jackals also joined the ECHL after being in the United Hockey League for their previous existence.[2] Another established team, the Trenton, New Jersey franchise, will enter its ninth season with a new name. The team, now owned by the NHL New Jersey Devils, will adopt the Devils nickname, which is now standard across the team's farm system.[dated info][3]
Before the start of the season, the league announced that it would hand out a new award to honor on-ice referees for their dedication and contribution to the league, through the Ryan Birmingham Memorial Award. The award is given in honor of Ryan Birmingham, a former ECHL referee who died in an automobile accident, while driving from Chattanooga, Tennessee to Snellville, Georgia in May 2007. Birmingham died at the age of 24.[4][5]
The Cincinnati Cyclones finished first overall in the regular season, winning the Brabham Cup, and became the third team in ECHL history to win the Brabham Cup and Kelly Cup in the same year by defeating the Las Vegas Wranglers four games to two.
League realignment
The ECHL announced the alignment of the 25 teams of the ECHL.
American Conference
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North Division
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South Division
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National Conference
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Pacific Division
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West Division
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Playoff format
The ECHL realigned the playoff format for the two conferences.
National Conference
The top eight teams will advance to the playoffs, with the two division champions being the first and second seeds. The other six teams will be seeded by points. Teams will not be re-seeded. All games are best of seven games.
American Conference
In the North Division, the top five teams will advance to the playoffs, with the division champion being the first seed. The other teams will be seeded by points. The fourth seed and the fifth seed will play a best-of-three series in the Division Quarterfinals. The winner will advance to the best-of-seven Division Semifinals to meet the division leader. The second seed and the third seed will play a best-of-seven Division Semifinals. The winners will advance to the best-of-seven Division Finals. The winner will advance to the American Conference Finals.
In the South Division,the top eight teams will advance to the playoffs, with the division champion being the first seed. The other teams will be seeded by points. Teams will be re-seeded according to the same criteria with division leader seeded first and remaining teams seeded in order of regular-season points. All games are best of five games. The winner of the Division Finals will advance to the American Conference Finals.
In the best-of-seven American Conference Finals the North Division Winner will face the South Division Winner
Kelly Cup finals
The Kelly Cup finals will be a best-of-seven series between the two conference champions.
Regular season
Final standings
Note: GP = Games played; W = Wins; L= Loses; OTL = Overtime loses; SOL = Shootout loses; GF = Goals for; GA = Goals against; Pts = Points; Green shade = Clinched playoff spot; Blue shade = Clinched division; (z) = Clinched home-ice advantage
- American Conference
- National Conference
Final league standings[6]
Scoring leaders
Note: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; PIM = Penalty minutes
Data referenced from ECHL website[7]
Leading goaltenders
Note: GP = Games Played; TOI = Time on ice (minutes); W = Wins; L = Losses; OTL = Overtime losses; SOL = Shootout losses; GA = Goals against; SO = Shutouts; SV% = Save percentage; GAA = Goals against average
Data referenced from ECHL website[8]
Kelly Cup playoffs
American Conference
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American Conference
1st Round |
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American Conference
Quarterfinals |
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American Conference
Semifinals |
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American Conference
Finals |
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No.4 |
Johnstown |
2 |
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No.5 |
Dayton |
0 |
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No.1 |
Cincinnati |
4 |
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No.4 |
Johnstown |
0 |
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No.1 |
Cincinnati |
4 |
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North Division |
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No.3 |
Reading |
3 |
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No.2 |
Elmira |
2 |
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No.3 |
Reading |
4 |
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No.1 |
Cincinnati |
4 |
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So.2 |
South Carolina |
1 |
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So.1 |
Texas |
3 |
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So.8 |
Mississippi |
1 |
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So.1 |
Texas |
2 |
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So.5 |
Columbia |
3 |
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So.4 |
Florida |
0 |
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So.5 |
Columbia |
3 |
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So.5 |
Columbia |
2 |
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South Division |
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So.2 |
South Carolina |
3 |
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So.3 |
Gwinnett |
3 |
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So.6 |
Charlotte |
0 |
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So.3 |
Gwinnett |
2 |
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So.2 |
South Carolina |
3 |
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So.2 |
South Carolina |
3 |
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So.7 |
Augusta |
2 |
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National Conference
Kelly Cup finals
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2008 Kelly Cup Championship |
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No.1 |
Cincinnati |
4 |
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Na.1 |
Las Vegas |
2 |
- No. is short for North Division
- So. is short for South Division
- Na. is short for National Conference
Playoff tables referenced from ECHL website[9]
First round
- *if necessary
- Times listed are local.
American Conference
(No. 4) Johnstown Chiefs vs. (No. 5) Dayton Bombers
| Johnstown wins series 2 – 0 |
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(So. 1) Texas Wildcatters vs. (So. 8) Mississippi Sea Wolves
| April 9 |
Texas Wildcatters |
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4 – 1 |
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Mississippi Sea Wolves |
Ford Arena |
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| April 10 |
Texas Wildcatters |
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5 – 2 |
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Mississippi Sea Wolves |
Ford Arena |
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(So. 2) South Carolina Stingrays vs. (So. 7) Augusta Lynx
| South Carolina wins series 3 – 2 |
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(So. 3) Gwinnett Gladiators vs. (So. 6) Charlotte Checkers
| Gwinnett wins series 3 – 0 |
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(So. 4) Florida Everblades vs. (So. 5) Columbia Inferno
| April 9 |
Florida Everblades |
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2 – 3 |
OT |
Columbia Inferno |
Germain Arena |
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| Columbia wins series 3 – 0 |
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Conference quarterfinals
American Conference
(No. 1) Cincinnati Cyclones vs. (No. 4) Johnstown Chiefs
| April 11 |
Cincinnati Cyclones |
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5 – 2 |
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Johnstown Chiefs |
US Bank Arena |
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| April 12 |
Cincinnati Cyclones |
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4 – 1 |
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Johnstown Chiefs |
US Bank Arena |
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| Cincinnati wins series 4 – 0 |
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(No. 2) Elmira Jackals vs. (No.3) Reading Royals
| April 11 |
Elmira Jackals |
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1 – 0 |
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Reading Royals |
First Arena |
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| April 15 |
Elmira Jackals |
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2 – 3 |
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Reading Royals |
First Arena |
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| April 19 |
Elmira Jackals |
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1 – 2 |
OT |
Reading Royals |
First Arena |
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| Reading wins series 4 – 2 |
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(So. 1) Texas Wildcatters vs. (So. 5) Columbia Inferno
| April 18 |
Texas Wildcatters |
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2 – 4 |
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Columbia Inferno |
Ford Arena |
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| April 20 |
Texas Wildcatters |
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6 – 2 |
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Columbia Inferno |
Ford Arena |
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| April 25 |
Texas Wildcatters |
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1 – 4 |
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Columbia Inferno |
Ford Arena |
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| Columbia wins series 3 – 2 |
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(So. 2) South Carolina Stingrays vs. (So. 3) Gwinnett Gladiators
| South Carolina wins series 3 – 2 |
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National Conference
(1) Las Vegas Wranglers vs. (8) Stockton Thunder
| April 11 |
Las Vegas Wranglers |
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2 – 4 |
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Stockton Thunder |
Orleans Arena |
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| April 12 |
Las Vegas Wranglers |
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5 – 4 |
OT |
Stockton Thunder |
Orleans Arena |
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| April 22 |
Las Vegas Wranglers |
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4 – 1 |
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Stockton Thunder |
Orleans Arena |
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| Las Vegas wins series 4 – 2 |
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(2) Victoria Salmon Kings vs. (7) Bakersfield Condors
| April 15 |
Bakersfield Condors |
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2 – 3 |
OT |
Victoria Salmon Kings |
Rabobank Arena |
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| April 16 |
Bakersfield Condors |
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1 – 4 |
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Victoria Salmon Kings |
Rabobank Arena |
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| April 19 |
Bakersfield Condors |
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5 – 4 |
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Victoria Salmon Kings |
Rabobank Arena |
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| Victoria wins series 4 – 2 |
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(3) Fresno Falcons vs. (6) Utah Grizzlies
| April 16 |
Utah Grizzlies |
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0 – 3 |
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Fresno Falcons |
E Center |
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| April 18 |
Utah Grizzlies |
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1 – 6 |
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Fresno Falcons |
E Center |
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| April 19 |
Utah Grizzlies |
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1 – 0 |
OT |
Fresno Falcons |
E Center |
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(4) Idaho Steelheads vs. (5) Alaska Aces
| April 10 |
Idaho Steelheads |
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4 – 6 |
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Alaska Aces |
Qwest Arena |
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Conference semifinals
American Conference
(No. 1) Cincinnati Cyclones vs. (No. 3) Reading Royals
| Cincinnati wins series 4 – 3 |
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(So. 2) South Carolina Stingrays vs. (So. 5) Columbia Inferno
| South Carolina wins series 3 – 2 |
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National Conference
(1) Las Vegas Wranglers vs. (5) Alaska Aces
| Las Vegas wins series 4 – 1 |
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(2) Victoria Salmon Kings vs. (6) Utah Grizzlies
| May 1 |
Utah Grizzlies |
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7 – 5 |
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Victoria Salmon Kings |
E Center |
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| May 3 |
Utah Grizzlies |
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2 – 0 |
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Victoria Salmon Kings |
E Center |
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| May 4 |
Utah Grizzlies |
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8 – 3 |
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Victoria Salmon Kings |
E Center |
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Conference finals
American Conference
(No. 1) Cincinnati Cyclones vs. (So. 2) South Carolina Stingrays
| May 9 |
Cincinnati Cyclones |
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6 – 2 |
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South Carolina Stingrays |
US Bank Arena |
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| May 10 |
Cincinnati Cyclones |
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5 – 4 |
OT |
South Carolina Stingrays |
US Bank Arena |
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| Cincinnati wins series 4 – 1 |
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National Conference
(1) Las Vegas Wranglers vs. (6) Utah Grizzlies
| May 15 |
Utah Grizzlies |
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2 – 3 |
OT |
Las Vegas Wranglers |
E Center |
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| May 16 |
Utah Grizzlies |
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2 – 5 |
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Las Vegas Wranglers |
E Center |
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| Las Vegas wins series 4 – 0 |
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2008 Kelly Cup finals
(No.1) Cincinnati Cyclones vs. (Na.1) Las Vegas Wranglers
| May 24 |
Cincinnati Cyclones |
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4 – 2 |
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Las Vegas Wranglers |
US Bank Arena |
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| May 25 |
Cincinnati Cyclones |
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0 – 1 |
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Las Vegas Wranglers |
US Bank Arena |
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| May 29 |
Las Vegas Wranglers |
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2 – 4 |
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Cincinnati Cyclones |
Orleans Arena |
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| May 30 |
Las Vegas Wranglers |
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2 – 0 |
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Cincinnati Cyclones |
Orleans Arena |
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| June 2 |
Las Vegas Wranglers |
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0 – 4 |
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Cincinnati Cyclones |
Orleans Arena |
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| June 5 |
Cincinnati Cyclones |
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3 – 1 |
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Las Vegas Wranglers |
US Bank Arena |
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| Cincinnati wins series 4 – 2 |
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ECHL awards
| Patrick Kelly Cup: |
Cincinnati Cyclones |
| Henry Brabham Cup: |
Cincinnati Cyclones |
| Gingher Memorial Trophy: |
Cincinnati Cyclones |
| Bruce Taylor Trophy: |
Las Vegas Wranglers |
| John Brophy Award: |
Chuck Weber (Cincinnati)[10] |
| CCM Vector Most Valuable Player: |
David Desharnais (Cincinnati)[11] |
| Kelly Cup Playoffs Most Valuable Player: |
Cedrick Deshardains |
| Reebok Hockey Goaltender of the Year: |
Anton Khudobin (Texas)[12] |
| CCM Tacks Rookie of the Year: |
David Desharnais (Cincinnati)[13] |
| Defenseman of the Year: |
Peter Metcalf (Alaska)[14] |
| Leading Scorer: |
David Desharnais (Cincinnati) |
| Reebok Hockey Plus Performer Award: |
Chad Starling (Cincinnati)[15] |
| Sportsmanship Award: |
Jeff Campbell (Gwinnett)[16] |
| Birmingham Memorial Award: |
David Jones[17] |
References
- ^ "ECHL Concludes Midseason Board of Governors Meeting". ECHL. January 22, 2007. Archived from the original on February 28, 2008. http://web.archive.org/web/20080228055624/http://www.echl.com/cgi-bin/mpublic.cgi?action=show_news&cat=1&id=9800. Retrieved April 6, 2008.
- ^ "Board Approves Expansion Membership For Elmira". ECHL. April 13, 2007. Archived from the original on February 1, 2008. http://web.archive.org/web/20080201075016/http://www.echl.com/cgi-bin/mpublic.cgi?action=show_news&cat=1&id=10749. Retrieved April 6, 2008.
- ^ Kimelman, Adam (May 18, 2007). "Trenton Titans become Trenton Devils". The Times of Trenton. http://blog.nj.com/timesupdates/2007/05/trenton_titans_become_trenton.html. Retrieved April 6, 2008.
- ^ "ECHL Announces Ryan Birmingham Memorial Award". ECHL. October 2, 2007. http://www.echl.com/cgi-bin/mpublic.cgi?action=show_news&id=12083. Retrieved May 31, 2008. [dead link]
- ^ "ECHL Mourns Loss Of Linesman Ryan Birmingham". ECHL. May 15, 2007. http://www.echl.com/cgi-bin/mpublic.cgi?action=show_news&id=11070. Retrieved May 31, 2008. [dead link]
- ^ "ECHL 2007-08 Regular Season Stats". ECHL. Archived from the original on 9 May 2008. http://echl.leaguestat.com/stats/statdisplay.php?type=standings&subType=0&season_id=5&league_id=1&lastActive=. Retrieved 7 April 2008.
- ^ "ECHL 2007-08 Regular Season Scoring Leaders". ECHL. Archived from the original on 13 April 2008. http://echl.leaguestat.com/stats/statdisplay.php?type=top_scorers&subType=0&season_id=5&league_id=1&lastActive=. Retrieved 7 April 2008.
- ^ "ECHL 2007-08 Regular Season Scoring Leaders". ECHL. http://echl.leaguestat.com/stats/statdisplay.php?type=top_goalies&subType=0&season_id=5&league_id=1&lastActive=. Retrieved 7 April 2008.
- ^ "ECHL 2008 Playoff Bracket" (pdf). Archived from the original on 12 April 2008. http://echl.leaguestat.com/hm/bracket.php. Retrieved 6 April 2008.
- ^ "Cincinnati's Weber Receives John Brophy Award". ECHL. April 8, 2008. http://www.echl.com/cgi-bin/mpublic.cgi?action=show_news&cat=1&id=14797. Retrieved April 9, 2008. [dead link]
- ^ "Cincinnati's Desharnais is CCM Vector Most Valuable Player". ECHL. April 11, 2008. Archived from the original on June 9, 2008. http://web.archive.org/web/20080609085705/http://www.echl.com/cgi-bin/mpublic.cgi?action=show_news&id=14916. Retrieved April 11, 2008.
- ^ "Texas Rookie Khudobin Named Rbk Hockey ECHL Goaltender of the Year". ECHL. April 10, 2008. http://www.echl.com/cgi-bin/mpublic.cgi?action=show_news&cat=1&id=14885. Retrieved April 10, 2008. [dead link]
- ^ "Cincinnati's Desharnais Named CCM Tacks Rookie of the Year". ECHL. April 6, 2008. http://www.echl.com/cgi-bin/mpublic.cgi?action=show_news&cat=1&id=14797. Retrieved April 6, 2008. [dead link]
- ^ "Alaska's Metcalf Named ECHL Defenseman of the Year". ECHL. April 9, 2008. http://www.echl.com/cgi-bin/mpublic.cgi?action=show_news&id=14861. Retrieved April 9, 2008. [dead link]
- ^ "Cincinnati's Starling Is Rbk Hockey Plus Performer". ECHL. April 7, 2008. http://www.echl.com/cgi-bin/mpublic.cgi?action=show_news&id=14827. Retrieved April 9, 2008. [dead link]
- ^ "Gwinnett's Campbell Wins ECHL Sportsmanship Award". ECHL. April 5, 2008. http://www.echl.com/cgi-bin/mpublic.cgi?action=show_news&cat=1&id=14788. Retrieved April 6, 2008. [dead link]
- ^ "Jones Wins Inaugural Birmingham Memorial Award". ECHL. May 30, 2008. http://www.echl.com/cgi-bin/mpublic.cgi?action=show_news&cat=1&id=15414. Retrieved May 31, 2008. [dead link]
See also
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| Western Conference |
Eastern Conference |
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