)-2.png)
As we gear up for an exhilarating season of ECHL action, it's time to circle some dates on your calendar that will undoubtedly shape the course of the 2023-24 season. From training camp kickoffs to the drama of trade deadlines, these critical dates are set to keep fans and teams alike on the edge of their seats.
October 2023: The Opening Bell
October 5: Players across the league may finally report to Training Camp. It's the day for team meetings, registration, physicals, and all the excitement that comes with the start of a new season.
October 6: Training Camp swings into action, with members hitting the ice for those thrilling on-ice sessions that fans eagerly await.
October 18: It's the day of reckoning as Season-Opening Rosters must be submitted to the League Office by 3 p.m. ET. The stage is set for the season's grand premiere.
October 19: The wait is over! The ECHL regular season kicks off with a bang, promising fans an incredible journey of hockey excellence.
November 2023: Roster Roulette
November 18: The tension mounts as Active Rosters face a cutdown, shrinking from 21 to 20 players. It's a make-or-break moment for Florida and Orlando.
November 19: The roster shakeup continues as the remaining teams follow suit, trimming their Active Rosters from 21 to 20 players by 3 p.m. ET.
December 2023: 'Tis the Season
December 23: Just in time for the holidays, the Christmas Waiver/Trade Freeze begins at 5 p.m. ET, temporarily halting the whirlwind of player movement.
December 24-26: Players and fans alike enjoy a well-deserved Christmas Break, with no games scheduled during this festive period.
December 27: The freeze thaws as the Christmas Waiver/Trade Freeze comes to an end at 12 p.m. ET, and the league gears up for the next phase.
January 2024: All-Star Extravaganza
January 15: Get ready for an electrifying showcase of talent at the 2024 Warrior/ECHL All-Star Classic, set in the vibrant city of Savannah, Georgia.
January 16-18: The stars take a breather during the All-Star Break, recharging for the battles ahead.
January 19: It's time for a twist as teams reveal their jersey reversals, offering fans a fresh look at their favorite squads.
February 2024: Global Flavor
February 15: The Overseas Deadline (3 p.m. ET) and IIHF Transfer Deadline (6 p.m. ET) bring an international flavor to the league, showcasing the diverse talent that makes the ECHL so captivating.
March 2024: The Countdown Begins
March 20: As we approach the business end of the season, the Recall/Assignment Deadline (11:59 p.m. ET) signifies that teams are making their moves to secure their playoff aspirations.
March 21: The intensity builds as the ECHL Trade Deadline (3 p.m. ET) arrives, offering one last chance for teams to bolster their rosters.
April 2024: Playoff Fever
April 12: The race to the playoffs heats up as teams have until 5 p.m. ET to place players on waivers, making strategic decisions for the postseason push.
April 14: It's the end of an era as the last day of the 2023-24 ECHL regular season sets the stage for the epic journey ahead.
April 15: As the excitement reaches a crescendo, teams must submit their Playoff Rosters by 3 p.m. ET, locking in their rosters for the grueling postseason.
April 17: The moment we've all been waiting for arrives as the 2024 Kelly Cup Playoffs burst into action, promising thrilling matchups and unforgettable moments.
June 2024: Looking Ahead
June 8: The league's future takes shape as teams submit their Protected Lists by 3 p.m. ET, offering a glimpse into the talent they aim to safeguard.
June 20: The Future Considerations Trade Deadline (3 p.m. ET) adds a layer of intrigue, setting the stage for potential blockbuster trades.
June 22: As the chapter closes on the season, Season-Ending Rosters are due by 3 p.m. ET, marking the transition to the offseason.
June 23: Teams waste no time in preparing for the future, as the first day to sign contracts for the 2024-25 Season signals a new beginning.
July & August 2024: The Business Side
July 7: The league's future stars eagerly await Qualifying Offers from teams by 11:59 p.m. ET, marking a pivotal moment in their careers.
July 22: The suspense continues as the Qualifying Offer Acceptance Period ends at 11:59 p.m. ET, shaping the destiny of these rising talents.
August 8: Restricted Free Agency concludes, solidifying rosters for the upcoming season and setting the stage for the next thrilling chapter of ECHL action.
With these critical dates in mind, fans and teams alike are in for a rollercoaster of a season filled with excitement, drama, and unforgettable moments. The 2023-24 ECHL season promises to be a spectacle that will leave us all eagerly awaiting the drop of the puck.