Falcons and 'Hawks to unite
July 31, 2008 - ECHL (ECHL)
Fresno Falcons News Release
FRESNO, CALIF. - The Fresno Falcons announced today that the team has entered into an affiliation agreement with the National Hockey League's Chicago Blackhawks for the 2008-09 season. The Falcons will receive players from both the Blackhawks, and their American Hockey League affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs.
"We are excited to be affiliating with a team rich in tradition and success," Falcons Head Coach and General Manager Matt Thomas said. "It's no secret that the Blackhawks are quickly becoming a Stanley Cup contender. We are excited to work with their young prospects, and help them develop into future NHLer's."
The Chicago Blackhawks are one of the most storied NHL franchises. One of the league's "Original Six" teams, the Blackhawks began play in the 1926-27 season. During its 82 seasons of competition, Chicago has won three Stanley Cup championships and 13 division titles. The Blackhawks are one of the up-and-coming teams in the NHL with young stars Patrick Kane, Patrick Sharp, and Jonathan Toews. The team was active during the NHL free-agency period this summer, signing goaltender Cristobal Huet and defenseman Brian Campbell.
"We are very excited about our agreement with Fresno," Blackhawks General Manager Dale Tallon said. "Our young players will have the chance to develop in a wonderful hockey atmosphere with an organization that has a great track record."
"We are very excited about affiliating with the Fresno Falcons for the upcoming 2008-09 season," Blackhawks General Manager of Minor League Affiliates Mark Bernard said. "We are happy to have head coach Matt Thomas and assistant coach Ryan Mougenel working with the young Chicago Blackhawks' prospects, and we know that they'll do a terrific job in helping along their development."
Chicago becomes the second NHL affiliate in the Falcons' history, joining the San Jose Sharks, who were affiliated with the Falcons from 2003-2007.
Opening Night 2008 at Selland Arena is set for Friday, October 24, when the Falcons host their arch-rivals, the Bakersfield Condors, at 7:35 p.m.
Season Ticket packages start at just $432, and are now available by calling the Falcons at (559) 485-7825.
Began in 1988-89 with five teams playing in four states, the Premier âAA' Hockey League has grown into a coast-to-coast league that will have 23 teams in 16 states and British Columbia playing 828 games from Oct. 17, 2008 to Apr. 4, 2009. Eighteen of the 23 teams have played at least five years in their current city.
The third-longest tenured professional hockey league behind only the National Hockey League and the American Hockey League, the ECHL averaged 4,174 per game last season, marking the fourth year in row and the 16th time in the last 18 years that the league has averaged over 4,000 fans. The league has drawn over four million fans each of the last five years and 11 times in the past 12 seasons.
ECHL Stories from July 31, 2008
- Idaho opens the 2008-09 season at home on Oct. 18 - Idaho Steelheads
- Lynx hire John Marks as head coach - Augusta Lynx
- E-Center NHL Preseason Game Tickets On Sale Friday - Utah Grizzlies
- Veteran Hartlieb re-signs with Blades - Florida Everblades
- Falcons and 'Hawks to unite - Fresno Falcons
- Chiefs sign Tendler - Johnstown Chiefs
- Scott Burt lends veteran presence to Aces - Alaska Aces
- Falcons Agree To Terms With Bobby Davey - Fresno Falcons
- Sea Wolves Announce Changes To 2008-09 Season Schedule - Mississippi Sea Wolves
- Stingrays and Capitals Extend Affiliation; Bednar Named GM - South Carolina Stingrays
- Former Miami RedHawk Joins Bombers for Rookie Season - Dayton Bombers
- Royals Bring Back Forward Matt Herneisen - Reading Royals
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.
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