Three National Hockey League franchises today announced new, multi-year American Hockey League affiliations to begin in the 2015-16 season.
Arizona Coyotes General Manager Don Maloney announced that the Coyotes have signed a multi-year affiliation agreement with the Springfield Falcons, who were previously affiliated with the Columbus Blue Jackets (2010-15).
“We are very pleased to partner with the Springfield Falcons,” said Maloney. “Springfield is one of the best hockey markets in the AHL and a great environment to develop our top prospects. We’re looking forward to a great relationship with the Falcons.”
The Columbus Blue Jackets have reached an agreement with the Lake Erie Monsters to have the Cleveland-based team serve as the organization’s AHL affiliate, Blue Jackets President of Hockey Operations John Davidson and Monsters President Kerry Bubolz announced. The Monsters were previously affiliated with the Colorado Avalanche (2007-15).
“The Blue Jackets couldn’t be more excited and proud to have the Lake Erie Monsters as our American Hockey League affiliate,” said Davidson. “Both organizations are committed to winning and providing a great experience for hockey fans and we believe Cleveland, whose hockey roots date to the late-1920s, is the perfect place for our young players to grow, develop and have great success. Our sport has grown tremendously throughout the state of Ohio in recent years and we believe this partnership between two great hockey markets will allow us to continue that growth.”
The Colorado Avalanche announced a five-year affiliation agreement with the San Antonio Rampage, who were most recently affiliated with the Florida Panthers (2011-15), after a stint with the Phoenix Coyotes (2005-11) and their original affilation with Florida (2002-05).
“We are pleased to announce this new affiliation with San Antonio,” said Avalanche Executive Vice President/General Manager Joe Sakic. “The Rampage organization has a great reputation and we look forward to our prospects developing in such an environment.”
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