1997–98 ECHL season


The 1997–98 ECHL season was the tenth season of the ECHL. Before the start of the season, the league saw the Knoxville Cherokees move to Florence, SC and welcomed expansion teams in New Orleans, LA and Upper Marlboro, MD. The Louisiana IceGators finished the regular season first overall and the Hampton Roads Admirals won their record setting third overall ECHL championship, defeating the Pensacola Ice Pilots 4 games to 2.

League realignment

With the league expanding to 25 teams, the Board of Governors decided to divide the league into two conference, with two divisions each. With the realignment the Board of Governors also created two new trophies, one each for the playoff champion of each conference.

Northern Conference

Northeast Division

Southeast Division

Final standings

Note: GP = Games played; W = Wins; L= Losses; T = Ties; GF = Goals for; GA = Goals against; PTS = Points; Green shade = Clinched playoff spot; Blue shade = Clinched division; = Clinched home-ice advantage

Northern Conference

Northwest DivisionGPWLTPTSGFGA
Peoria Rivermen704419795296213
Toledo Storm704121890251210
Dayton Bombers703626880255256
Huntington Blizzard703429775230259
Columbus Chill703330773221220
Louisville RiverFrogs703231771228257

Southern Conference

Southwest DivisionGPWLTPTSGFGA
Louisiana IceGators7043171096298232
Birmingham Bulls703923886293257
Pensacola Ice Pilots7036241082276262
New Orleans Brass7036241082278263
Mobile Mysticks703527878236233
Mississippi Sea Wolves703427977225224
Baton Rouge Kingfish7033271076220238

Kelly Cup playoffs

Bracket

Northern Conference

Quarterfinals

Semifinals

Finals

Southern Conference

Quarterfinals

Semifinals

Finals

Kelly Cup finals

ECHL awards