Eagles Announce Affiliation with Jets, IceCaps
Published on September 8, 2011 under ECHL (ECHL)
Colorado Eagles News Release
WINDSOR, Colo. - The Colorado Eagles, along with the National Hockey League's Winnipeg Jets and the American Hockey League's St. John's IceCaps, announced today that they've reached an affiliation agreement for the upcoming 2011-12 hockey season. The Eagles will act as the ECHL affiliate for any player assigned to the league by either of the other two teams.
The ECHL is branded as North America's "Premier AA Hockey League" and acts as the league directly under the AHL in terms of player development. The ECHL and the AHL are the only two leagues recognized in the NHL's collective bargaining agreement with the NHL Players' Association. As such, any player signed to an NHL entry-level contract who is designated for assignment must report to one of the two leagues.
"We're very excited about this affiliation and about being a part of the development of outstanding young players who are on their way to the highest level of our sport," said Colorado Eagles president & general manager Chris Stewart. "We feel this relationship will be mutually beneficial for all parties involved. We'll be able to help in the development of some NHL's draft choices, and the Jets and IceCaps will be able to send their prospects to a professional environment."
Kevin Cheveldayoff, Executive Vice President & General Manager of the Winnipeg Jets added, "Player development is one of the most important elements for long-term success for an organization, and we know Colorado will provide a great opportunity for some of our young players to gain valuable experience and new skills. As the Winnipeg Jets inaugural season approaches, we really look forward to a great first year with the Eagles organization."
Like the Eagles, who are beginning their first season in the ECHL after nearly a decade in the CHL, the Jets are undertaking a new beginning of sorts. The franchise was established in 1999 as the Atlanta Thrashers, but was relocated to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada following last season. As part of the move, the franchise adopted the name of the previous NHL/WHA franchise that called Winnipeg home (the original Winnipeg Jets (1972-96) are now the Phoenix Coyotes).
Keeping with the theme, the IceCaps are also experiencing a new move. Formerly the Manitoba Moose, the IceCaps were relocated from Winnipeg, Manitoba to St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. The IceCaps and Jets are both owned by True North Sports & Entertainment Limited.
"We're very pleased to have the affiliation with Colorado," said Glenn Stanford, Chief Operating Officer of the St. John's IceCaps. "It's always been a first class operation, and we look forward to a long and successful relationship."
The Eagles will begin their preseason camp on Friday, Sept. 30. They will then travel to Alaska for preseason games on Oct. 4 & 5 before playing their only preseason game at the Budweiser Events Center on Friday, Oct. 7 against the Las Vegas Wranglers.
The 2011-12 ECHL regular season begins on Friday, Oct. 14, with the Eagles' home-opener taking place on Friday, Oct. 21. A complete schedule can be found at www.ColoradoEagles.com.
Individual tickets for all Eagles home games will go on sale in September, and can be purchased at www.ComcastTix.com, the BEC box office, or by calling 1-877-544-TIXX (8499) or 970-686-SHOT (7468). Stay tuned to www.ColoradoEagles.com for soon-to-be-announced ticket information, including new pricing plans and a $16 single-game ticket.
Want to secure tickets for the 2011-12 season now'!'! Group tickets (parties of 15 or more) are currently available for pre-sale by calling our Group Sales Manager, Curtis Sullivan, at (970) 686-SHOT (7468). Group leaders are eligible for additional benefits as well; check out the "Group Tickets" page at www.ColoradoEagles.com for more information.
ECHL Stories from September 8, 2011
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- Blades Add Flynn & Berger to Hockey Operations Staff - Florida Everblades
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- Meet the New Reign Coaching Staff - Ontario Reign
- Eagles Announce Affiliation with Jets, IceCaps - Colorado Eagles
- ECHL Officials to Officiate at NHL Prospects Tournament in Traverse City - ECHL
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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
