2005–06 ECHL season

The 2005–06 ECHL season is the 18th season of the ECHL, a professional ice-hockey league based in the United States. The season ran from late October 2005 to early June 2006. The Brabham Cup regular season champions and Kelly Cup playoff champions were the Alaska Aces.

2005–06 ECHL season
LeagueECHL
SportIce hockey
DurationOctober 2005 – May 2006
Regular season
Brabham CupAlaska Aces
Season MVPJeff Campbell (Gwinnett)
Top scorerAlex Leavitt (Alaska)
Playoffs
American championsGwinnett Gladiators
  American runners-upToledo Storm
National championsAlaska Aces
  National runners-upFresno Falcons
Playoffs MVPMike Scott (Alaska)
Finals
ChampionsAlaska Aces
  Runners-upGwinnett Gladiators

League changes

At the end of the 2004–05 season, the Pee Dee Pride and Louisiana IceGators franchises ceased operations, with the Florence-based Pride announcing a move to nearby Conway (in the Myrtle Beach area; the cities of Florence and Myrtle Beach are considered one market for television purposes) while awaiting completion of the new Atlantic Center Arena that eventually never happened. The ECHL eventually revoked the franchise at the 2009 Board of Governors meeting. The Peoria Rivermen franchise also ceased operations when the ownership acquired an AHL franchise and under the same name.

The league also approved of Barry Kemp's Ontario, California, expansion franchise rights to be transferred to play in Bloomington, Illinois, in May 2004.[1][2][3] After an apparent fallout among the Bloomington Partners and the nearby Peoria Rivermen transferring to the AHL,[4] the Bloomington ECHL franchise was sold to Legacy Partners, LLC, headed by Phoenix Suns' majority owner Robert Sarver and the franchise was relocated as the Phoenix RoadRunners[5] as the only expansion team for the season.

The Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies were sold and relocated to Stockton, California, as the Stockton Thunder. The Utah Grizzlies' new ownership also bought the former Lexington Men O' War franchise that had been dormant since 2003 after the American Hockey League's Grizzlies ceased operations.

Just prior to the start of the season, the Texas Wildcatters and the Mississippi Sea Wolves were both forced to sit out the season due to damage caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The Wildcatters were given permission to re-enter the league for the 2006–07 season, while the Sea Wolves were allowed to return for the 2007–08 season.

While most leagues adopted the entire NHL rule change package for 2005–06 (based on the 2004–05 AHL rule changes), the ECHL kept the shootout at five players, and kept the automatic icing rule which has been used in the league.

All-Star Game

The ECHL All-Star Game was held at the Save Mart Center in Fresno, California, and was hosted by the Fresno Falcons. The National Conference All-Stars defeated the American Conference All-Stars 7–6, with Fresno's Luke Curtin named Most Valuable Player.

Regular season

Final standings

Note: GP = Games played; W = Wins; L= Losses; OTL = Overtime Losses; SOL = Shootout Losses; GF = Goals for; GA = Goals against; Pts = Points; Green shade = Clinched playoff spot; Blue shade = Clinched division; (z) = Clinched home-ice advantage[6][7]

American Conference
North Division GP W L OTL SOL PTS GF GA
Toledo Storm7246213297244189
Wheeling Nailers7245213396247186
Reading Royals7242233491249209
Johnstown Chiefs72302641276223243
Trenton Titans7231362367166214
Dayton Bombers7220464246193275
South Division GP W L OTL SOL PTS GF GA
Gwinnett Gladiators (z)72501507107304208
Florida Everblades72482031100267208
Greenville Grrrowl7244250393248203
South Carolina Stingrays7232257879230237
Charlotte Checkers7234332373226250
Augusta Lynx7230361566216255
Columbia Inferno7225393558209290
Pensacola Ice Pilots7221445249194293

National Conference
West Division GP W L OTL SOL PTS GF GA
Alaska Aces (z)72531252113289168
Las Vegas Wranglers72531342112267176
Idaho Steelheads7243214494268221
Utah Grizzlies7236305178235236
Victoria Salmon Kings7226375461204261
Phoenix RoadRunners7220471445156263
Pacific Division GP W L OTL SOL PTS GF GA
Fresno Falcons72431559100230205
Bakersfield Condors7240262486221222
Long Beach Ice Dogs7236274581210217
San Diego Gulls7234304476213214
Stockton Thunder7218407748192260

Scoring leaders

Note: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; PIM = Penalty minutes

Player Team GP G A Pts
Alex LeavittAlaska72266591
Mike ScottAlaska72375087
D'Arcy McConveyIdaho58394786
Ryan KinasewichUtah60394685
Jeff CampbellGwinnett62305383
Luke CurtinFresno64216182
Daniel SiscaFlorida71295079
Matt DzieduszyckiLas Vegas68344478
Sean CollinsWheeling62274976
Scott CameronSouth Carolina68225072
Justin KelleyJohnstown59314071

Leading goaltenders

Note: GP = Games played; Mins = Minutes played; W = Wins; L = Losses; T = Ties; GA = Goals allowed; SO = Shutouts; GAA = Goals against average

Player Team GP Mins W L T GA SO SV% GAA
Drew MacIntyreToledo3319812472682.9262.06
Andy FranckWheeling553214331551225.9192.28
Matt UnderhillAlaska502979361031135.9172.28
Marc MagliarditiLas Vegas512985341151233.9092.47
Cody RudkowskyReading38229124113962.9162.51

Kelly Cup playoffs

Bracket
  Division Quarters April 9–12 Division Semis April 14–22 Division Finals April 24-May 2 Conference Finals May 5–16
                                     
       
  N1 Toledo 3  
    N4 Johnstown 0  
N4 Johnstown 2
N5 Trenton 0  
  N1 Toledo 3  
  N2 Wheeling 2  
       
       
  N2 Wheeling 3
    N3 Reading 1  
     
       
  N1 Toledo 1
  S1 Gwinnett 4
       
       
  S1 Gwinnett 3
    S4 South Carolina 0  
S4 South Carolina 2
S5 Charlotte 1  
  S1 Gwinnett 3
  S2 Florida 1  
       
       
  S2 Florida 3
    S3 Greenville 1  
S3 Greenville 2
S6 Augusta 0  

Division quarterfinals
North Division Quarterfinals
Johnstown vs. Trenton
DateAwayHome
April 10Trenton 1Johnstown 2OT
April 11Johnstown 4Trenton 3
Johnstown wins series 2–0
South Division Quarterfinals
South Carolina vs. Charlotte
DateAwayHome
April 10Charlotte 3South Carolina 6
April 11South Carolina 3Charlotte 4
April 12Charlotte 1South Carolina 3
South Carolina wins series 2–1
South Division Quarterfinals
Greenville vs. Augusta
DateAwayHome
April 9Augusta 1Greenville 2
April 11Greenville 3Augusta 2OT
Greenville wins series 2–0

Division semifinals
North Division Semifinals
Toledo vs. Johnstown
DateAwayHome
April 14Johnstown 2Toledo 3
April 15Johnstown 1Toledo 4
April 19Toledo 5Johnstown 3
Toledo wins series 3–0
North Division Semifinals
Reading vs. Wheeling
DateAwayHome
April 14Wheeling 3Reading 2OT
April 16Reading 4Wheeling 1
April 18Reading 3Wheeling 4
April 19Wheeling 5Reading 4
Wheeling wins series 3–1
South Division Semifinals
Gwinnett vs. South Carolina
DateAwayHome
April 15South Carolina 3Gwinnett 5
April 16South Carolina 4Gwinnett 5OT
April 19Gwinnett 3South Carolina 1
Gwinnett wins series 3–0
South Division Semifinals
Florida vs. Greenville
DateAwayHome
April 14Greenville 4Florida 5OT
April 15Greenville 2Florida 4
April 21Florida 0Greenville 1OT
April 22Florida 9Greenville 4
Florida wins series 3–1

Division finals
North Division Finals
Toledo vs. Wheeling
DateAwayHome
April 24Wheeling 4Toledo 5OT
April 26Wheeling 5Toledo 3
April 28Toledo 0Wheeling 6
April 29Toledo 3Wheeling 1
May 2Wheeling 2Toledo 3
Toledo wins Series 3–2
South Division Finals
Gwinnett vs. Florida
DateAwayHome
April 26Florida 3Gwinnett 5
April 28Florida 7Gwinnett 3
April 29Gwinnett 6Florida 4
May 1Gwinnett 7Florida 4
Gwinnett wins series 3–1

Conference finals
American Conference Finals
Toledo vs. Gwinnett
DateAwayHome
May 5Toledo 3Gwinnett 5
May 8Toledo 4Gwinnett 3OT
May 12Gwinnett 4Toledo 2
May 14Gwinnett 4Toledo 2
May 16Gwinnett 3Toledo 2OT
Gwinnett wins series 4–1

Bracket
Division Semifinals
April 10–22 		Division Finals
April 24-May 6 		Conference Finals
May 8–22
         
W1 Alaska 4
W4 Utah 0
W1 Alaska 4
W2 Las Vegas 3
W2 Las Vegas 4
W3 Idaho 0
W1 Alaska 4
P1 Fresno 0
P2 Bakersfield 4
P3 Long Beach 3
P2 Bakersfield 3
P1 Fresno 4
P1 Fresno 4
P4 San Diego 3

Division semifinals
West Division Semifinals
Alaska vs. Utah
DateAwayHome
April 10Utah 1Alaska 4
April 11Utah 1Alaska 3
April 13Alaska 4Utah 1
April 14Alaska 6Utah 2
Alaska wins series 4–0
West Division Semifinals
Las Vegas vs. Idaho
DateAwayHome
April 11Idaho 0Las Vegas 4
April 12Idaho 0Las Vegas 2
April 14Las Vegas 5Idaho 4
April 15Las Vegas 4Idaho 2
Las Vegas wins series 4–0
Pacific Division Semifinals
Fresno vs. San Diego
DateAwayHome
April 11San Diego 3Fresno 4
April 12San Diego 1Fresno 4
April 14Fresno 2San Diego 1OT
April 15Fresno 1San Diego 5
April 17San Diego 3Fresno 2
April 20Fresno 3San Diego 4OT
April 22San Diego 0Fresno 2
Fresno wins series 4–3
Pacific Division Semifinals
Bakersfield vs. Long Beach
DateAwayHome
April 11Long Beach 1Bakersfield 3
April 14Long Beach 5Bakersfield 4
April 15Bakersfield 6Long Beach 3
April 16Bakersfield 4Long Beach 5
April 19Bakersfield 4Long Beach 1
April 21Long Beach 6Bakersfield 2
April 22Long Beach 3Bakersfield 4OT
Bakersfield wins series 4–3

Division finals
West Division Finals
Alaska vs. Las Vegas
DateAwayHome
April 24Las Vegas 5Alaska 0
April 25Las Vegas 3Alaska 4OT
April 27Alaska 2Las Vegas 6
April 29Alaska 3Las Vegas 4OT
April 30Alaska 3Las Vegas 1
May 2Las Vegas 0Alaska 2
May 5Las Vegas 3Alaska 43OT
Alaska wins series 4–3
Pacific Division Finals
Fresno vs. Bakersfield
DateAwayHome
April 24Bakersfield 3Fresno 5
April 25Bakersfield 2Fresno 4
April 28Fresno 2Bakersfield 4
April 29Fresno 3Bakersfield 2OT
May 3Fresno 2Bakersfield 4
May 5Bakersfield 4Fresno 3OT
May 6Bakersfield 2Fresno 4
Fresno wins series 4–3

Conference finals
National Conference Finals
Alaska vs. Fresno
DateAwayHome
May 8Fresno 1Alaska 3
May 10Fresno 0Alaska 2
May 12Alaska 4Fresno 3
May 13Alaska 3Fresno 1
Alaska wins series 4–0

Kelly Cup finals
Kelly Cup Finals
Alaska vs. Gwinnett
DateAwayHome
May 24Gwinnett 2Alaska 3
May 25Gwinnett 3Alaska 4
May 29Alaska 5Gwinnett 4
May 31Alaska 1Gwinnett 6
June 1Alaska 4Gwinnett 3
Alaska wins series and
Kelly Cup 4–1

ECHL awards
See also: ECHL awards
Patrick Kelly Cup:Alaska Aces
Henry Brabham Cup:Alaska Aces
Gingher Memorial Trophy:Gwinnett Gladiators
Bruce Taylor Trophy:Alaska Aces
John Brophy Award:Glen Gulutzan (Las Vegas)
CCM TACKS Most Valuable Player:Jeff Campbell (Gwinnett)
Kelly Cup Playoffs Most Valuable Player:Mike Scott (Alaska)
Reebok Hockey Goaltender of the Year:Matt Underhill (Alaska)
CCM Tacks Rookie of the Year:Alex Leavitt (Alaska)
Defenseman of the Year:Ryan Gaucher (Alaska)
Leading Scorer:Alex Leavitt (Alaska)
Reebok Hockey Plus Performer Award:Peter Metcalf (Alaska)
Sportsmanship Award:Steve Saviano (Florida)

See also

References
  1. "BLOOMINGTON PARTNERS SIGNS 10-YEAR FACILITY MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT WITH CITY OF BLOOMINGTON". ECHL.com. May 10, 2004. Archived from the original on October 4, 2018. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  2. "Get set for pro hockey". The Pantagraph. May 11, 2004. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  3. "ECHL OFFICIALLY WELCOMES BLOOMINGTON, ILLINOIS". ECHL.com. May 10, 2004. Archived from the original on October 4, 2018. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  4. "Page 63 of the November 27, 2004, The Pantagraph". The Pantagraph. November 27, 2004. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  5. "Board Approves Phoenix Suns Ownership Purchase, Relocation of ECHL Membership". ECHL.com. February 1, 2005. Archived from the original on October 5, 2018. Retrieved October 4, 2018.
  6. "2005–06 ECHL Standings". HockeyDB. Retrieved March 1, 2017.
  7. "2005–06 ECHL Stats". ECHL. Archived from the original on March 2, 2017. Retrieved March 1, 2017.
Preceded by
2005 Kelly Cup playoffs		 Kelly Cup Playoffs
2006		 Succeeded by
2007 Kelly Cup playoffs
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