Playing in the ECSL (Australia)

New South Wales has 2 elite divisions, being the ECSL, which is held in New South Wales only, and the AIHL which is a national competition comprising of two teams playing in Sydney.

Both of these divisions are NON professional and no payments are made to players, rather they pay to play.

The ECSL works on a draft system, whereas the AIHL is a team tryout system.

The ECSL however is primarily for players that reside in Sydney and want to play a high standard of local hockey, it is up to the player to find his own accommodation and work, usually the players playing in the ECSL are on Student Visa's and studying whilst in Sydney or on permanent working visa's.

Regarding the AIHL - you probably want to have a look on this website: http://www.theaihl.com/leagues/custom_page.cfm?clientid=3856&leagueid=11464&pageid=10073#playaihl

If playing in the ECSL is still something you are interested in doing then please contact the ECSL President for more information - Les Adams its important to note you would be responsible for your own flights and accommodation and the tryout details are attached.

ECSL Rules

The ECSL plays under IIHF rules, with a few modifications from Ice Hockey Australia (IHA).

IHA Rules Page: http://iha.org.au/view/iha/officiating/rules-10

As the ECSL is a full contact male only league, any international players looking to join this league will require an ITC (International Transfer Card) as per the IIHF requirements and IHA protocol here http://www.iha.org.au/transfers/

That means any current players who were born overseas are safe however any NEW players trying out will need to purchase an ITC before they can register in the ECSL.

*** The ECSL is based in Sydney Australia and is often mistaken by foreign players for the ECHL in America.