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NHLGamers, Here is the newest update to the ECL 12 rulebook. Generally speaking, most of the changes in this edition focus on the qualifiers and their structure (incorporating things you suggested earlier), as well as of course the usual miscellaneous tweaks that typically go on over the course of a season. The full changelog can be found in the rulebook, but for the changes since the last edition you can find them listed below: Added a clause which states that any additional spot(s) must be filled via the qualifier, as well as tweaked the seeding order so that relegated teams are placed above playoff teams (rules 5.10, 5.11) Added rule 5.13, expanded on the description of how the roster lock works in conjunction with the qualifier systems Updated section 7.6, expanded the numbers of staff members involved in LA Updated 7.7, included the most recent LA rulings Added rule 11.7.3, goalies are now allowed to wear non-standard ‘CHEL’ equipment without restriction Expanded upon rule 12.1.2, now includes a run-down on how to input stats from a game that had a disconnect part-way through Tweaked definition 15.17 regarding what counts as a starter Updated appendix 3 with details regarding empty spots both in and outside of the qualifier Added appendix 5, roster waiver form for ECL Pro teams What this means in practice is that instead of, for example, ECL Pro relegation teams being seeded behind ECL Lite playoff teams, they will now instead switch so that they are entitled to the higher seeds. Furthermore, in the event that a team from outside the qualifier drops out and creates an opening prior to, as well as during the qualifier, said spot will be filled via the qualifier. Meanwhile, if a spot opens up in the qualifier before it commences, we will fill it with a team from the following: ECL Pro relegated teams (29th – 32nd) ECL Lite teams who finished 10th – 16th Wildcard teams ranked 5th – 8th ECL Lite teams who finished 17th – 32nd ECL Core team who finished 5th – 8th  

ECL 11 Lite ended with some huge drama in the final series between Björklöven Esports and Exerceo that quite epically concluded in a game 7. Björklöven Esports won the series 4-3 after a phenomenal comeback from being 1-3 down. Both squads now compete in the Pro division, opening the place in the spotlight for new contenders and all new hero tales to be written. In addition to the finalists, the other two ECL 11 Lite semifinalists Grenoble BDL Esport and Hotbox are playing in Pro so quite extraordinarily the top 4 teams will be completely new in ECL 12 Lite this season. There are several teams relegated from Pro and also players in rosters with experience from upper levels so we can expect to see a season unlike any other in ECL Lite. The team cap is now 64 so the margins between the teams is smaller than ever before which makes battles from playoffs positions and also the regular season title way tougher. Hokurit reached Round 2 in the playoffs last season and is expected to play well again this time. Teams like TIKI TALK, Ducktales BK, NoRex Gaming and Södertälje SK played in Pro last season and with that experience are favorites bounce back and perform well in Lite. Royal HT has managed to gather an impressive roster that for some reason underperformed in their qualifier run, but they should find their form in the regular season. I think it is safe to predict that the top 8 includes at least a few of these teams I have mentioned. We're happy to also expect several dark horses to emerge and gladly welcome those squads to prove everyone wrong! Season information The default gamedays for ECL 12 Lite will be Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 20:00 CEST and teams are required to contact each other prior to the scheduled date as per ECL rules. Please get acquainted with the rulebook and refer to it in case of any problems over the course of the season. If any questions arise, please contact support. Notable dates for the ECL 12 Lite season: Regular season: 9.5 – 9.6 Transfer deadline: 25.5. 23:59 CEST Playoffs Round 1: 15.6 – 20.6 (BO7) Playoffs Round 2: 22.6 – 1.7 (BO7) Quarterfinals: 4.7 – 8.7 (BO7) Semifinals: 11.7 – 15.7 (BO7) Finals: 19.7 – 21.7 (BO7) In the first of four groups, we have several contenders for the group title and playoffs spots. Murohoki and TuTo Esports were eliminated early last season after a promising regular season, so they surely have something to prove this time. TIKI TALK were relegated from Pro and are one of the favorites due to their experience from Pro and their resilience and willingness to bounce back. Royal HT has as stated gathered an impressive roster that should be able to use their individual skill to find wins and contend. Ducktales BK also played in Pro last season. On Sunday evening - the very first matchday - they are scheduled play against TIKI TALK which could serve as a measuring of power between these two squads. That is also one of the highlights of the first matchday. In Group 2, Syndrome reached playoffs Round 2 last season which was kind of a disappointment for them, so they are expected to perform better this season. Reality Check HC has played even in the Elite qualifiers in past seasons and participated in the Pro qualifiers, which did not go their way. With that experience however, they are one of the teams to follow this season in Lite. Södertälje SK played in Pro last season and are one of the big favorites in this group and also one of the squads that could be taking the division title. This is a relatively even group and no big favorites stand out of the pack. I expect to see many tight games and fierce battle for the playoff spots. Nordic Nosebleed knocked out a strong Armada Hockey last season in Round 1 of the playoffs, proving that they are a team that could win any given matchup. FILADELPHIA Academy is a team to follow already because of their affiliation, but it is a delight to see how their reserves are performing in their first competitive season together. If the players in this academy team are anywhere near as talented as the players in the first team I expect FILADELPHIA Academy to finish high in the regular season and in a top 8 overall at least. Probably the tightest group in advance. There are 4-5 teams who performed well last season or have exceptional potential for succeeding such as Hokurit, Armada Hockey, NoRex Gaming, The Last Line and RoKi Esports to mention a few. RoKi Esports have increased their potential with experience and is one of the teams to watch this season. Tic Tac Toes is also a tremendously skilled ensemble that I expect to finish high. Barys eSports is a new team in ECL that has done well in the RCL. They are scheduled to go up against RoKi Esports on Sunday which is one of the highlights of the first matchday. The Barys eSports roster also includes some players with experience from Elite and Pro so the team is going to be a serious contender in their first ECL outing. Notable players to watch Across all 64 teams this season in Lite, there are dozens of interesting players you might want to follow during the season. It's impossible for us to include everyone and when picking some of them, some will be left out. On the following list are just few of the players that are expected to stand out this season. @L4nnisto ( Tic Tac Toes) ECL 11 Regular season 26 GP 6+33=39 Playoffs 11 GP 4+3=7 @Artuzio ( Tic Tac Toes) ECL 11 Regular season 26 GP 35+44=79 Playoffs 11 GP 5+15=20 @jubex0r ( Spirit) ECL 11 Regular season 28 GP 80,74 SV % 2,04 GAA 3 SO Playoffs 5 GP 73,44 SV % 3,4 GAA 0 SO @Rosvo_Joel (Zei_Tsei) ( Saucer Hockey) ECL 11 Regular season (Night Shift Hockey) 30 GP 5+35=40 Playoffs 4 GP 2+4=6 @Crisu_rottis ( Royal HT) ECL 11 Regular season (Frosty Kiekko-Vantaa) 30 GP 5+31=36 Playoffs 5 GP 1+1=2 @JanneK. (JANURI98) ( Royal HT) ECL 11 Regular season (Dark Horse) 24 GP 75,88 SV % 3,42 GAA 1 SO (Tunnel Vision) 12 GP 76,27 SV% 2,33 GAA 1 SO @topikeranen ( Royal HT) ECL 11 Regular season (TuTo Esports) 18 GP 19+28=47 Playoffs 6 7+4=11 @keranee ( Royal HT) ECL 11 Regular season (Gotham Knights) 30 GP 18+23=41 Playoffs 5 GP 2+1=3 @rize1988 ( Södertälje SK) ECL 11 Regular season (Almtuna Esports) 24 GP 15+41=56 Playoffs 7 GP 4+4=7 @Ollizhki ( Barys eSports) ECL 11 Regular season (Dark Horse) 24 GP 10+5=15 @Awptim ( Barys eSports) ECL 11 Regular season (Alliance HT) 28 GP 15+17=32 @itspardytime ( TIKI TALK) ECL 11 Regular season 30 GP 26+22=48 With that, we wish all participating ECL 12 Lite teams good luck in their respective campaigns! Remember to post about your games on various social media platforms using the tags #NHLGamer, #NHL21 and #ECL12 in order to get noticed and for other community members to find your posts.