The excitement is palpable as the ECHL gears up for the 2025 Kelly Cup Playoffs, which kick off on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. With a thrilling best-of-seven format, the playoffs promise to deliver intense matchups as teams vie for the coveted championship title.
The stage is set with the top teams from each division ready to battle it out. In the North Division, the #1 seed, Trois-Rivières Lions (45-19-8), will face off against the #4 Reading Royals (33-28-11). The first game is scheduled for Friday, April 18, at 7 p.m. ET at Trois-Rivières, followed by Game 2 on Saturday, April 19, at the same venue. The series will then shift to Reading for Game 3 on Monday, April 21. This matchup is expected to be a fierce contest, with both teams looking to establish dominance early on.
Meanwhile, the #2 Wheeling Nailers (43-25-4) will take on the #3 Norfolk Admirals (40-25-7) in another North Division showdown. The opening game will take place on April 16 at 7:05 p.m. ET in Norfolk, with Game 2 following on April 17. This series is poised to be closely contested, as both teams are eager to advance in the playoffs.
The South Division also features compelling matchups, with the #1 South Carolina Stingrays (52-15-5) going up against the #4 Orlando Solar Bears (37-25-10). Game 1 is set for April 18 at 7:05 p.m. ET in South Carolina, and Game 2 will follow on April 19 at 6:05 p.m. ET. The Stingrays, having finished the regular season strong, will look to leverage their home ice advantage.
In another South Division clash, the #2 Florida Everblades (49-15-8) will face the #3 Jacksonville Icemen (42-22-8). The series kicks off on April 18 at 7:30 p.m. ET in Florida, with Game 2 on April 19 at 7 p.m. ET. The Everblades are the defending champions and are in pursuit of their fourth consecutive title, making this matchup particularly intriguing.
Moving to the Central Division, the #1 Toledo Walleye (44-17-11) will take on the #4 Indy Fuel (32-30-10). Game 1 is scheduled for April 17 at 7:15 p.m. ET in Toledo, with Game 2 following on April 18. The Walleye are looking to capitalize on their top seed, but the Fuel will be eager to pull off an upset.
Additionally, the #2 Fort Wayne Komets (41-22-9) will face the #3 Iowa Heartlanders (36-25-11). Their series begins on April 18 at 7:35 p.m. ET in Fort Wayne, with Game 2 on April 19. Both teams have shown resilience throughout the season, setting the stage for a competitive series.
In the Mountain Division, the #1 Kansas City Mavericks (49-18-5) will take on the #4 Tulsa Oilers (40-24-8). Their first game is set for April 18 at 7:05 p.m. CT in Kansas City. The Mavericks will aim to leverage their home ice advantage against a determined Oilers squad.
Lastly, the #2 Wichita Thunder (41-24-7) will face the #3 Tahoe Knight Monsters (41-25-6). Their series opens on April 19 at 6:05 p.m. CT in Wichita. This matchup is expected to be a highlight of the playoffs, as both teams have demonstrated offensive prowess throughout the season.
As the playoffs unfold, fans can catch all the action through FloHockey, as ECHL playoff games will not be available on traditional TV channels. This streaming service will provide access to live games, event replays, and exclusive content, ensuring that fans won’t miss a moment of the playoff excitement.
With the playoffs just around the corner, anticipation is building among fans and players alike. The South Carolina Stingrays, Kansas City Mavericks, Toledo Walleye, and Trois-Rivières Lions have secured the top seeds in their respective divisions, setting the stage for an exhilarating postseason. The defending champions, Florida Everblades, are also in the mix, looking to add another trophy to their collection.
As the teams prepare to battle it out on the ice, the stakes have never been higher. The Kelly Cup is within reach, and every game will be critical as teams aim to advance to the next round. With matchups featuring some of the best talent in the league, fans can expect high-octane action, thrilling plays, and unforgettable moments.
The ECHL playoffs promise to be a showcase of skill, determination, and heart as teams fight for the ultimate prize. As the puck drops on April 16, the race for the Kelly Cup officially begins, and only time will tell which team will emerge victorious.
