ECHL Bakersfield Condors

Bakersfield to Move to the American Hockey League

Published on January 29, 2015 under ECHL (ECHL)
Bakersfield Condors News Release


San Jose, Calif. - The Edmonton Oilers joined American Hockey League (AHL) President David Andrews and four other NHL teams to announce the AHL Board of Governors has formally approved the steps necessary to create a Pacific Division within the AHL beginning with the 2015-16 season.

The Board has approved the following:

The Anaheim Ducks will purchase the Norfolk Admirals AHL franchise and will relocate it from Norfolk, Va., to San Diego, Calif.

The AHL franchise owned by the Calgary Flames will relocate from Glens Falls, N.Y., to Stockton, Calif.

The AHL franchise owned by the Edmonton Oilers will relocate from Oklahoma City, Okla., to Bakersfield, Calif.

The AHL franchise owned by the Los Angeles Kings will relocate from Manchester, N.H., to Ontario, Calif.

The AHL franchise owned by the San Jose Sharks will relocate from Worcester, Mass., to San Jose, Calif.

"Relocating five teams is a complex process, and we are very excited to have brought this initiative to a successful outcome," said Andrews. "The Western-based NHL clubs have been in dialogue with our league for almost three years, and today's announcement launches a new era for the American Hockey League and for professional hockey in California."

Oilers President of Hockey Operations Kevin Lowe said, "We want to thank and congratulate the AHL, NHL and our fellow member clubs in making the Pacific Division a reality through hard work and collaboration. The Edmonton Oilers are extremely excited about this new opportunity to enhance our development system and help grow the game of hockey in California.

"We couldn't be more pleased in our partnership with Bakersfield over the last year and I can't say enough good things about the fans and the city of Bakersfield."

"This is a huge step for Bakersfield and this organization," said Matt Riley, Bakersfield AHL Affiliate President. "We want to thank our fans, the city, our ECHL colleagues and the Oilers for taking us under their wing and enabling us to be a part of this. We're excited to take an increased role in the growth of the game in California."

Full division alignments and schedule formats for the 2015-16 season will be determined by the AHL Board of Governors at a later date.

Formed in 1936, the American Hockey League serves as the top development league for players in all 30 National Hockey League organizations, as well as coaches, officials, executives, trainers and broadcasters throughout the NHL. More than 88 percent of today's NHL players are graduates of the American Hockey League and through the years the AHL has been home to more than 100 honored members of the Hockey Hall of Fame.

NEXT HOME GAMES

The Condors host one more game cap off the month of January on home ice this weekend against the team directly above them in the standings.

Friday, Jan. 30 vs. Utah Grizzlies (7 p.m.)

Cap Giveaway - the first 2,000 fans 5 and older get their choice of a Condors cap: traditional or a flat-bill (Eyewitness News, 106.1 KRAB Radio and Three-Way Chevrolet-Cadillac)

SAVE MONEY. GET A HAT TRICK 3-PACK!

Save over 20% and choose ANY three games to attend the REMAINDER of the regular season., Cap Giveaway (Jan. 30), Undie Sunday (Feb. 15) and the always popular Youth Jersey Giveaway (Feb. 21) are all available with the Hat Trick 3-Pack. Packages start as low as $30, so get yours today by calling 324-PUCK (7825).

Check out the Bakersfield Condors Statistics

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ECHL Stories from January 29, 2015


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