NHLGamers,
The Pro season is in the books and what a wild one it was! We got to see some great individual efforts but what ended up prevailing was working as a unit towards a well-defined goal - the ECL Pro championship. Que the "we not me" and "offense wins games, defense wins championships" clichés. We had 32 teams going into the season, with 30 of them finishing and two dropping out because of various reasons.
ECL 6 was the most well-covered season on NHLGamer so far, as we stepped up our streaming game and tried to broadcast as many playoff matchups as possible on our Twitch-channel. We saw some really exciting games and a bunch of nerve-racking game 7 finishes. We also saw some intense game 7 OT action. At the end of the season, some teams had to face a tough disappointment as they might not have achieved the level of success they had hoped for. On the other hand, some others managed to overcome all obstacles and pave their way far into the playoffs and eventual promotions and a championship. On behalf of the NHLGamer staff, I congratulate Monarchs once again for their impressive run that ended in the championship of ECL Pro.
This season recap will be in form of an official NHLGamer ranking, with some words concluding the essential factors in the season performance of each team. Without further ado, let's get to it:
ECL 6 Pro division ranking (Sorted by playoff wins, P/G and relegation faceoff wins):
1. 
Monarchs (Group 1) Regular season record 22-2-2 (Playoff wins 16)
Oh man, these guys came in with a bang in their inaugural ECL season. As most of us know, their season ended in a party as they conquered the throne in a thrilling playoff run, finishing with a game 7 victory over FILADELPHIA. Captain @chavelski managed to put together a strong defensive unit with an offensive upside, especially in sensational offensive defenseman @Philip Strom (Strumpan87), rookie winger @Tacterz and experienced center @pajenc.
2. 
FILADELPHIA (Group 2) Regular season record 27-1-2 (Playoff wins 15)
FILADELPHIA were strong favourites going into the season, as many community members seemed to believe they are competing in the wrong division. Although they managed to dominate the regular season in convincing manner, the playoffs weren't quite the cakewalk they expected. Despite all that, the team has to be satisfied with their performance, as they finished the season with only 7 regulation losses in total, the least out of all Pro teams. Their extremely skilled forwards played a huge part in their success, as names such as @Erkki (I_Eki_I), @Joonas Paatiala (Patzlaf) and @mikaasi aren't complete strangers to racking up points in the Elite division either.
3. 
Almost Famous (Group 1) Regular season record 21-3-2 (Playoff wins 11) (by @Mannheimer1938)
Almost Famous started their journey in ECL5 in the Lite division, a season which ended in a final loss against Red Machine. They flew a bit under the radar before the season but impressed everyone with edging out all the top guns of their group. The signings of @Rimpe, @Devilfish14 and @Vaporik seems to have increased the skill level significantly. After finishing 2nd in group 1, they had a nice playoff run which was stopped by the champions to be Monarchs in a thrilling game 7 overtime loss.
4. 
White Trash (Group 1) Regular season record 17-6-3 (Playoff wins 9)
After a few good showings in the Pro division, we certainly expected White Trash to bring their A-game this season. A few new signings were made and the team seemed to find a good flow as the regular season got going. White Trash had a tough playoff run with both their first and second round matchups going into game 7. The season ended in the semi finals against FILADELPHIA.
5. 
SIKA (Group 2) Regular season record 22-6-2 (Playoff wins 7)
SIKA is one of the most established NHLGamer teams around right now. After experiencing a tough relegation in ECL4, they have been trying to work their way back up to the Elite division for two seasons now. The sole goal for this season was certainly a promotion, but once again, they fell just short. It can be concluded that this season was a disappointment, but the performance still grants the team a 5th place ranking on this list.
6. 
Red Machine (Group 2) Regular season record 16-10-4 (Playoff wins 6)
Named the dark horse of group 2, Red Machine managed to fight their way into the playoffs after a difficult start to the season. Their high-scoring offense made up for a rather mediocre defensive showing. The issue might have been not having a natural center in their lineup. Despite not repeating the dominant performance seen in the Lite division last season, Red Machine must certainly be happy by finishing at 6th place in our season ranking.
7. 
Baltic Sea Eagles (Group 1) Regular season record 14-6-4 (Playoff wins 5)
As one of the more established Pro teams, Baltic Sea Eagles were hoping that this would be their season. The regular season went somewhat according to plans, as they managed to secure a playoff spot as the 10th seed in total. The team struggled with scoring all season long, but their defense showed up in a big way, which made up for their difficulties up front. The season ended a bit early at the hands of Almost Famous in the second round.
8. 
Deadly Phantoms HC (Group 1) Regular season record 15-10-1 (Playoff wins 4)
After being promoted from Lite in ECL 5, Deadly Phantoms HC were surely looking to establish themselves as the new German powerhouse team on NHLGamer. It was quickly noted that they were in Pro to compete, and with a great defensive mentality, they were able to overcome opponents such as White Trash and Shameful Knights in the regular season.
9. 
Clowns On Ice (Group 2) Regular season record 17-10-3 (Playoff wins 3)
Clowns On Ice is the second German Pro division team this season. The team went on a hot streak right off the bat, managing to split points with teams such as FILADELPHIA and SIKA. Captain @Tim_FlyersFan lead the team from the front, amassing a total of 76 points in the regular season but he also received help from a wide roster, as the team iced a total of nine skaters and three goalies during the season. The season was certainly an improvement from ECL 5, as this time they managed to make the playoffs and grab a few wins from higher seeded White Trash.
10. 
Alliance HT (Group 2) Regular season record 22-6-2 (Playoff wins 2)
Having added @JaikenK to their roster, Alliance were looking better than ever on paper prior to the season. Their season started a tad slow, but once the team started rolling, they advanced from victory to victory, amassing a total of 22 wins in the regular season. However, the playoffs brought a disappointment as they were eliminated in the first round by Deadly Phantoms HC.
11. 
Shameful Knights (Group 1) Regular season record 18-6-2 (Playoff wins 2)
Shameful Knights were expected to come into the season with the sole goal of gaining a promotion to Elite. The established Pro team was one of the strongest competitors in our season prediction. With almost no roster changes happening between ECL 5 and 6, we expected the team to prove that a strong unit and their effective offensive trio @Tapparafan - @Migo_boo - @Ollizhki will prevail in the hunt for the cup.
12. 
Synergy Hockey (Group 2) Regular season record 17-10-3 (Playoff wins 2)
The Swedish veterans were expected to be one of the strongest teams going into the season, however, a difficult start and some internal turbulence raised some doubts. The team bounced back rather well and showed that they are deserving of a spot in the playoffs. Baltic Sea Eagles in the first round proved to be too tough of a challenge, as they were eliminated with a series score of 4-2.
13. 
Arctic (Group 1) Regular season record 15-10-1 (Playoff wins 2)
As a newly established team, Arctic flew under the radar for most of the season. It took some time to find their game, but the team finished their regular season going 10-0-0 and proved to everyone that they are a force to be reckoned with. A massive disappointment awaited, as SIKA beat them 4-2 in the series, resulting in yet another first round exit for captain @selänne8, got to feel a bit bad for the guy at this point.
14. 
Monte Carlo (Group 2) Regular season record 15-10-5 (Playoff wins 2)
Monte Carlo was put together out of some very established players by @J0HTAJA, who was certainly hoping that he could lead this group to a long season run with his experience and knowledge of the game. The team struggled with scoring from time to time while showing good defensive play and great goaltending by @Masapunda, @Lage and @Pettersson12 - ultimately resulting in an average regular season record and a first round exit agains Almost Famous.
15. 
Quality (Group 1) Regular season record 12-12-2 (Playoff wins 1)
Few teams had a season as turbulent as the newly established Quality. Team captain @Yoloberg had managed to piece together a team of skilled players who had little to no experience of playing together. Some transfers were made during the season and the team didn't find its final form until after the deadline. The acquisition of @KattenJansson97 boosted their offensive game, barely gaining them a playoff spot. FILADELPHIA in the first round proved to be too much of a challenge as the season ended with a 4-1 series score in the first round.
16. 
Raging Monkeys (Group 2) Regular season record 16-12-2 (Playoff wins 0)
Raging Monkeys came into the season as one of the teams promoted from Lite at the end of ECL 5. The team was surely hoping to prove that they belong at the Pro level - a goal that we can agree they have met. The playoff spot they managed to grab as the 15th seed in total was a bonus at the end of their inaugural Pro season.
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17. 
Speedy Bros Hockey (Group 2) Regular season record 11-11-8
In their second season, Speedy Bros were surely hoping to make their first playoff run in team history so far, but they ended up falling just short in a very tough group 2 playoff race. Their offense was largely carried by the duo @Tzon93 and @Klassikko_, who between the two of them scored 63% of the teams goals.
18. 
TIKI TALK (Group 2) Regular season record 13-14-3
As the result of a tough ECL 5, Tiki Talk was relegated from Elite. Their roster experienced something of an overhaul, but the team never really found their stride, resulting in a disappointing season.
19. 
Free From Rodents (Group 1) Regular season record 10-11-5
The experienced Swedish team was looking to make their first first playoff appearance in the division era of ECL, but ended up falling just short due to going on a cold streak towards the end of the regular season, finishing with a 1-7-2 record in their las ten games.
20. 
Bellizzi (Group 2) Regular season record 13-15-2
Bellizzi had a difficult season, as their scoring didn't find a way to get going (56 GF) and their defense didn't show up (102 GA) to the level required. Despite their troubles, the team managed to grab a surprising amount of wins and wasn't too far from reaching a playoff spot in group 2.
21. 
OG Royals (Group 2) Regular season record 12-14-4
The Royals made a comeback after a short hiatus. Captain @AzByCxx managed to put together a decent lineup of promising players, but the team didn't perform according to expectations, resulting in a low ranking on this list.
22. 
Murohoki (Group 1) Regular season record 10-12-4
As an established Pro team, Murohoki would surely have hoped for a better result to their season. The team put in a balanced effort on both ends of the ice, falling just 2 points short of a playoff spot in group 1. They will look to improve their powerplay numbers for next season, since icing a powerplay with a success rate of 5% won't exactly intimidate the opponent.
23. 
Penalty Box (Group 2) Regular season record 12-15-3
Penalty Box played a rather mediocre season, averaging around 0,9 P/G and having balanced statistics in both scoring and defense. To their credit, they managed to ice the second deadliest powerplay in ECL Pro.
24. 
Banterfield Battalion (Group 1) Regular season record 11-14-1
Banterfield has experienced a large player turnover, but maintained their original core of founding members @Heero, @Mikka and @Dunu. In their second Pro season, they managed to avoid a relegation faceoff, but their season ended early as they failed to make the playoffs.
25. 
Old Farts (Group 2) Regular season record 12-17-1
After a short break, Old Farts were hoping to come back with a bang and grab a playoff spot in the Pro division. Despite having a lineup full of experienced players, the team didn't have the x-factor, which could have pushed them into the playoffs. On a positive note, they were the least penalized team in ECL Pro.
26. 
EN HUND (Group 2) Regular season record 8-17-5
EN HUND had a disappointing season. As an established team, they would surely have hoped for a bit of a better result to their season. Their scoring worked just fine, but letting in close to four goals per game doesn't take you that far in a competitive league.
27. 
Breakers Of The Bone (Group 2) Regular season record 7-16-7
Breakers Of The Bone managed to secure a promotion from Lite in ECL 5 after an impressive playoff run. However, the Pro division turned out to be a completely different mountain to climb. Few things went their way this season and they will surely look to improve come ECL 7.
28. 
Nordic Nosebleed (Group 1) Regular season record 6-16-4 (Relegation faceoff win 4-0)
The Swedes were promoted from Lite at the end of ECL 5. Much alike Breakers Of The Bone, Nordic Nosebleed also had a tough time acclimating to the increased tempo and general skill level. They ended up in the relegation faceoff against JPTJ, but managed to secure their Pro spot for next season after a 4-0 series win.
29. 
JPTJ (Group 1) Regular season record 8-17-1 (Relegation faceoff loss 0-4)
JPTJ had a disappointing second season in ECL Pro. Some of us still remember their inaugural season in ECL 4 when they set scoring records in Lite. The second highest tier has proven to be a challenge and this second season didn't go their way. The season ended in a relegation but we're hoping for a bounce back in ECL 7.
30. 
The Beagle Boys (Group 1) Regular season record 3-21-2 (Disbanded after regular season)
The Beagle Boys gained promotion at the end of ECL 5, but didn't manage to elevate their level of play to match the requirements set by the Pro division. The season was difficult as the team managed to win only three games in total, finishing with a P/G average of only 0,31. The team announced that they are disbanding after the season.
AWARDS
Playoff MVP: @pajenc
Most Points: @Erkki (I_Eki_I), FILADELPHIA, 37 Goals, 57 Assists, 94 Points in 28 games
Most Goals: @mikaasi, FILADELPHIA, 44 Goals, 41 Assists, 85 Points in 30 games
Most Assists: @Erkki (I_Eki_I), FILADELPHIA, 37 Goals, 57 Assists, 94 Points in 28 games
Most Hits by a Forward: @vilperi90, Baltic Sea Eagles, 168 Hits in 26 games
Best +/-: @mikaasi, FILADELPHIA, +76 in 30 games
Most Points by a Defenseman: @vSilenttio, SIKA, 6 Goals, 29 Assists, 35 Points in 26 games
Most Goals by a Defenseman: @JaikenK, Alliance HT, 13 Goals, 21 Assists, 34 Points in 27 games
Most Assist by a Defenseman: @vSilenttio, SIKA, 6 Goals, 29 Assists in 26 games
Most Hits by a Defenseman: @Rissanen, Breakers Of The Bone, 175 Hits in 26 games
TOP 3'S OF ECL 6 PRO
Top 3 Forwards Regular Season:
1. @Erkki (I_Eki_I), FILADELPHIA, 37 Goals, 57 Assists, 94 Points in 28 games
2. @mikaasi, FILADELPHIA, 44 Goals, 41 Assists, 85 Points in 30 games
3. @Tim_FlyersFan, Clowns On Ice, 41 Goals, 35 Assists, 76 Points in 28 games
Top 3 Defender Regular Season:
1. @vSilenttio, SIKA, 6 Goals, 29 Assists, 35 Points in 26 games
2. @JaikenK, Alliance HT, 13 Goals, 21 Assists, 34 Points in 27 games
3. @Philip Strom (Strumpan87), Monarchs, 10 Goals, 19 Assists, 29 Points in 26 games
Top 3 Goaltenders Regular Season:
1. @roory366, Alliance HT, 20 Wins, 84,14%, 1,44 GAA, 6 SO in 27 games
2. @chavelski, Monarchs, 18 Wins, 81,60%, 1,27 GAA, 6 SO in 18 games
3. @Stilando, Shameful Knights, 18 Wins, 84,92%, 1,57 GAA, 6 SO in 26 games
Top 3 Forwards Playoffs:
1. @pajenc, Monarchs, 16 Goals, 28 Assists, 44 Points in 24 games
2. @Tacterz, Monarchs, 23 Goals, 20 Assists, 43 Points in 24 games
3. @Erkki (I_Eki_I), FILADELPHIA, 15 Goals, 23 Assists, 38 Points in 21 games
Top 3 Defender Playoffs:
1. @Philip Strom (Strumpan87), Monarchs, 7 Goals, 22 Assists, 29 Points in 24 games
2. @oGBioLan, FILADELPHIA, 1 Goals, 19 Assists, 20 Points in 21 games
3. @vSilenttio, SIKA, 3 Goals, 13 Assists, 16 Points in 13 games
Top 3 Goaltenders Playoffs:
1. @chavelski, Monarchs, 16 Wins, 77,22%, 1,70 GAA, 3 SO in 24 games
2. @swagx88, FILADELPHIA, 15 Wins, 81,92%, 1,52 GAA, 6 SO in 21 games
3. @Vaporik, Almost Famous, 11 Wins, 77,39%, 1,94 GAA, 4 SO in 17 games
This season we'd also like to make the introduction of the top 6 of the season. This will mean a selection of 6 players in a starting lineup, that have showed exceptional skill and played a good season. This season, the selections were made by staff members who have been following ECL Pro. Without further ado, here's the top 6 of our Pro division in ECL 6:
@pajenc (Monarchs) - @Erkki (I_Eki_I, FILADELPHIA) - @Joonas Paatiala (Patzlaf, FILADELPHIA)
@Philip Strom (Strumpan87, Monarchs) - @xDoumi (FILADELPHIA)
@chavelski (Monarchs)
Conclusively, I'd like to extend a thank you for all participating teams and everyone who is making this league possible. Congratulations to all teams gaining promotion at the end of the season and to those less fortunate - come back stronger next season.
Have a nice summer break and see you out on the ice, come Summer Cup 3!
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