ECHL approves 2010 playoff schedule

By Steve Silver

Friday, Sept. 18, 2009 | 2:24 p.m.

Hockey season this year might stretch into summer if the Las Vegas Wranglers advance to the Kelly Cup finals.

The ECHL Board of Governors approved the 2010 playoff schedule at their preseason meeting in Chicago this week.

The conference quarterfinals will run from April 5-12, conference semifinals from April 14-28, conference finals from April 30-May 12 and the Kelly Cup finals from May 14-28.

The board's annual financial review shows the ECHL is on track to equal its season ticket sales from last season.

Also at the meeting, the Rule Committee stated that officials will be instructed to enforce a stricter standard for blows to the head and deliberate attempts to injure during altercations.

Finally, the board unanimously approved the Schedule Committee's recommendations to better balance conference and division opponents while limiting the number of consecutive games between opponents.

The Wranglers kick off the regular season against the Utah Grizzlies on Oct. 16 at the Orleans Arena at 7:05 p.m.

Steve Silver can be reached at 948-7822 or steve.silver@lasvegassun.com.