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.
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October 2023: The Opening Bell
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- 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.
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November 2023: Roster Roulette
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- 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.
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December 2023: ‘Tis the Season
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- 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.
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January 2024: All-Star Extravaganza
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- 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.
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February 2024: Global Flavor
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- 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.
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March 2024: The Countdown Begins
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- 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.
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April 2024: Playoff Fever
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- 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.
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June 2024: Looking Ahead
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- 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.
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July & August 2024: The Business Side
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- 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.
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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.
