Arizona Sundogs Announce NHL Affiliation
June 11, 2006 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Arizona Sundogs News Release
PRESCOTT VALLEY, Ariz. - The Arizona Sundogs Professional Hockey Club, an expansion Central Hockey League team scheduled to begin play this fall, announced their affiliation with the Colorado Avalanche of the National Hockey League today at the Prescott Valley Convention and Events Center topping off ceremony.
"As a team in a developmental league such as the CHL, having a NHL affiliation is an important aspect of our organization when working to advance players and their careers," said Sundogs Owner & Governor Eric Lacroix. "This affiliation not only lends credibility to our already strong organization, but it serves as a selling point to incoming and prospective players."
"I'm very pleased that we have finalized an affiliation with a NHL Club with the caliber of the Colorado Avalanche," added Sundogs Head Coach and General Manager Marco Pietroniro. "This affiliation is a seamless path for our younger players to take the next step in their on-ice hockey careers."
The Sundogs already possess ties to the Colorado Avalanche organization. Sundogs Co-Owner and Governor Eric Lacroix played three seasons with the Avalanche before serving as Assistant Coach in charge of video and Director of Hockey Operations. Team President and Managing Director Hayne Ellis also has an Avalanche connection, working in the NHL Club's Communications Department for eight years.
"The development of our organization's younger players is important and the Arizona Sundogs will play a vital part in that process," said Colorado Avalanche Director of Player Development Craig Billington. "The process by which our affiliate organizations are selected is a thorough process in which a number of factors are carefully weighed. In today's NHL, development of young players is more important than ever before, so a strong relationship with a club's minor league affiliates is crucial. We know that this organization's leadership is strong and we're comfortable with the working relationship that will be established next season."
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Central Hockey League Stories from June 11, 2006
- Arizona Sundogs Announce NHL Affiliation - Arizona Sundogs
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