AHL Norfolk Admirals

Admirals Name Roanoke Express ECHL Affiliate

July 16, 2002 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Norfolk Admirals News Release


VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – The Norfolk Admirals announced today they have signed an affiliation agreement with the Roanoke Express of the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) for the 2002-03 season. The Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League (NHL), parent club of the Admirals, also agreed to an affiliation agreement with Roanoke.

"The Norfolk Admirals are pleased to be working with Perry Florio and the Roanoke organization this season," said Al MacIssac, the Admirals' General Manager of Hockey Operations. "Last year, the Express provided us with several quality players when our club was in need. We're looking forward to taking that relationship to a different level as Roanoke's AHL affiliate this season."

"The Chicago Blackhawks are pleased to be working with both the Norfolk Admirals and the Roanoke Express," said Blackhawks General Manager Mike Smith. "The Admirals and the Express will provide the Blackhawks with a solid home for developing the Blackhawks' young prospects."

"I am excited to be working with Chicago and Norfolk this season," stated Roanoke's Head Coach and General Manager Perry Florio. "Mike Smith and Al MacIssac are two of the best General Managers in hockey. Chicago and Norfolk are both great organizations with long standing traditions of success. It will be fun, and a challenge, to develop some top NHL prospects."

Norfolk, defending South Division Champions, begins its third American Hockey League (AHL) campaign this year. The Admirals' first home contest of the 2002-03 season is slated against an opponent to be determined on either Friday, October 18 or Saturday, October 19 at Norfolk Scope. Game time is 7:30 p.m. More information on that game, as well as the remaining 79 regular season contests on Norfolk's plate, will be available upon the release of the AHL's schedule later this summer.

The Admirals' season ticket drive continues. In addition to full season ticket packages, 10- and 20-game packages are also available. To purchase or renew season tickets or partial packages for the 2002-03 season, call the Admirals office at (757) 363-1900 or visit the Admirals office at 1300 Diamond Springs Road, Suite 101 in Virginia Beach.




American Hockey League Stories from July 16, 2002


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