An interesting debate has been brewing in minor hockey forums lately about minor hockey’s place in the world, and in terms of how the leagues are viewed stacked against each other. Hockey doesn’t have an extremely-clear minor hierarchy like baseball does, and now franchise movement form league to league has brought about questions as to whether they are parallel moves, or moves upward.

Where does “AAA” fit in, and is the KHL included? I’m including the KHL in the discussion because it’s an interesting twist, in a way…

Or what about the “AA”? ECHL has been considered traditionally as “AA”, but both CHL and IHL have made claims to being “AA” as well.

So it got me to wondering: how do NHL fans see the minor hockey leagues stack up against each other?

So… I’m turning to you guys, the readers of KK. How do *you* guys (primarily NHL fans) think the following minor leagues stack up (I’ve listed them in nor particular order), in terms of level and hierarchy? Please take the list below and respond in the comments with your listing, highest to lowest.

NHL… ECHL… KHL… IHL… AHL… CHL…

If you could, please also include some explanations as to why you feel that way.

Thanks.