On this edition of the Hockey Talk Podcast, The Sin Bin’s Matthew Harding catches up with the ECHL Commissioner, Ryan Crelin, at the 2020 ECHL All-Star Classic in Wichita, Kansas.
The two discuss a wide variety of topics, including:

• The viability of the ECHL All-Star Classic
• Inclusion of women in the 2020 ECHL All-Star Classic and will we see it going forward
• Should the All-Star Classic be seen as a developmental showcase or should it be a competition that features the best players in the league?
• Instant replay feedback
• Feedback about the new fighting rule in the league and how does the new rule make it important is it to have a tight leash on repeat offenders?
• Rule change on the number of games contracted players need to play in order to be eligible for the Kelly Cup Playoffs
• Is there concern that the league will become a less-desirable place for non-contracted players to play because AHL/NHL teams are loading up ECHL teams with contracted players?
• The relationship with the ECHL & SPHL
• Expansion; including the possibility of a franchise in Trois-Rivieres, Quebec
• Future markets on the horizon; possibly Iowa City, Iowa and Fort Worth, Texas
• What benefits has the league seen from the former Central Hockey League franchises?
• Status of the two-referee system
• Reducing the number of games in the regular season
• Navigating the first season at the helm of the ECHL
• Thoughts on AHL President David Andrews‘ imminent retirement