In 2024-25 the Eastern Hockey League altered their playoff format to eliminate the round robin Frozen Finals format and instead create two Regional Championships, before a Frozen Finals best of three format with the two remaining teams.
In doing so, they created a truly unique regional event, where teams can pack college rinks with their local fans and then feature a series, instead of round robin, championship final.
The Mid- Atlantic Regional featured the Adirondack Thunder and NJ 87s in the EHLP and the NJ 87s (again) and the Providence Capitals in the EHL. These games were played on the campus of Trinity College in Hartford, CT. In the New England Regional, the New England Wolves and Seahawks HC played in the EHLP, and the New Hampshire Avalanche and Express HC played in the EHL. These games were at Hanaway Rink on the campus of Plymouth State University.
Excellent reporting and news coverage were featured throughout the events. Here are links to the daily recaps:
Regional Finals: Day Three Recap
The Dan K Show, guests on the Hockey Toolkit podcast (Season 3, Episode 5- Talking With The Dan K Show | Podcast Episode on RSS.com), were a highlight throughout the weekend of the New England Regional. Their Live coverage through social media, and outstanding, colorful play by play, brought immense energy to every game. Following last summer’s shakeup in Jr Hockey, the Dan K Show, has emerged as critical and essential voices in this space, and their professionalism and spirit was on full display. The Dan K Show
Here is a clip from one of their goal calls:
With the conclusion of this event on Sunday, it sets up a Frozen Finals in Providence, Rhode Island between the New England Wolves and NJ 87s in the EHLP and the New Hampshire Avalanche and NJ 87s in the EHL. Here is the schedule:
THURSDAY, APRIL 10TH
- EHLP Championship Series Game #1 at 4:00 pm
- New Jersey 87’s at New England Wolves
- EHL Championship Series Game #1 at 7:30 pm
- New Jersey 87’s at New Hampshire Avalanche
FRIDAY, APRIL 11TH
- EHLP Championship Series Game #2 at 4:00 pm
- New England Wolves at New Jersey 87’s
- EHL Championship Series Game #2 at 7:30 pm
- New Hampshire Avalanche at New Jersey 87’s
SATURDAY, APRIL 12TH
- EHLP Championship Series Game #3 (If Necessary) at 11:00 am
- New Jersey 87’s at New England Wolves
- EHL Championship Series Game #3 (If Necessary) at 3:00 pm
- New Jersey 87’s at New Hampshire Avalanche
Best of luck to all remaining players and organizations. For more info on the EHL- Eastern Hockey League
By Andrew Trimble
