An electrochemical cell stack includes electrochemical cells that each contain a fuel electrode, an air electrode and an electrolyte disposed therebetween, interconnects disposed between the electrochemical cells, and an interconnect end plate disposed over the fuel electrode of an outermost one of the electrochemical cells. The interconnect end plate includes a fuel side, an opposing air side, fuel ribs disposed on the fuel side and at least partially defining fuel channels, air ribs disposed on the air side and at least partially defining dummy air channels, fuel holes extending from the fuel side to the air side, and recessed ring seal regions disposed on the air side surrounding the fuel holes.