Sundogs Announce Affiliation with NHL's Phoenix Coyotes
August 31, 2007 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Arizona Sundogs News Release
PRESCOTT VALLEY, Ariz. - The Arizona Sundogs Hockey Club of the Central Hockey League, in conjunction with the Phoenix Coyotes of the National Hockey League, today announced its affiliation with the NHL club at a team press conference inside Tim's Toyota Center in Prescott Valley.
"Since its inception, a significant focus of our organization has been to develop and advance players and their careers, and having a NHL affiliation plays a vital role in that process," said Arizona Sundogs Head Coach and General Manager Marco Pietroniro. "During our inaugural season in 2006-07 we served as a vehicle for several players to advance to the American Hockey League level via a NHL affiliation. To secure an affiliation with a club such as the Phoenix Coyotes for the 2007-08 season maintains our commitment to player development."
In its first year of play the Arizona Sundogs served as the double-A affiliate to the NHL's Colorado Avalanche.
"We had a very strong and successful working relationship in our affiliation with the Colorado Avalanche during our first season of play," added Sundogs President Brent Thiessen. "It makes sense to be affiliated with the Phoenix Coyotes for the 2007-08 season in that less than 100 miles separate our two clubs. By partnering with the Coyotes we immediately grow our fan base, reaching Phoenix and the surrounding areas."
The Arizona Sundogs will serve as the Phoenix Coyotes sole double-A affiliate for the 2007-08 season.
"We are excited to be in partnership with the Sundogs and see benefits to both organizations from this new agreement," said Phoenix Coyotes General Manager Don Maloney.
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