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Generals Announce Affiliation with Toronto Maple Leafs

September 25, 2002 - ECHL (ECHL)
Greensboro Generals News Release


Greensboro, NC — The Greensboro Generals of the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) are thrilled to announce an affiliation agreement with the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League (NHL). The Generals will also pair off with the Maple Leafs' American Hockey League affiliate, the St. John's Maple Leafs. With the agreement, the Generals will now be the prime source in the ECHL for the Maple Leafs to develop their prospects, allowing the fans of Greensboro the opportunity to see future NHL stars today.

As part of the new agreement, players will have the opportunity to move up from Greensboro to St. John's, Newfoundland throughout the season and vice-versa, with the ultimate goal of getting the call-up to the parent club in Toronto. The initial benefit of the new deal for the Generals will be receiving a Maple Leafs contracted goaltender in time for their start of training camp.

"This affiliation with the Maple Leafs is tremendous for the Generals and the city of Greensboro," says Generals head coach Rick Adduono (ah-DOO-no). "We're now involved with one of the most storied franchises in sports. It's very enjoyable developing the players at this level. We never really know how many players we're going to get, but that's the good part about it. Sometimes they surprise you by sending you a player that you don't expect which helps improve your organization, and other times you send guys up and they see he is well developed and has improved, and that makes the relationship stronger."

"We're sending players down to Greensboro because of Rick Adduono," stated Toronto Maple Leafs assistant to the president Bill Watters. "I've known Rick since he was 19-years old. I've dealt with him as a player and a coach, and we feel very comfortable sending young players down to him. I know the team is going to do well, and that makes it a better environment for development."

With the Generals announcement of joining the Maple Leafs family, Greensboro will no longer be working with the Carolina Hurricanes on a player development level. "We won't be receiving any Hurricanes players this year, but we will still work closely with them on a marketing and corporate partnership level," says Generals co-owner and president Rocco Scarfone (SKAR-foan). "I'm ecstatic about the prospects of this new relationship with the Toronto Maple Leafs. This affiliation should allow us a great deal more flexibility than last season."

The start of training camp for the Generals is Monday, September 30 at 9:00 a.m. at the IceHouse skating rink. Greensboro's season opener is slated for Friday, October 11 at 7:30 at the Lexington Men O'War. The Generals' home opener is Friday, October 25 at 7:30 against the Reading Royals. Opening night is Hooters Magnetic Schedule Night, with the first 2,000 fans entering the building receiving a Generals 2002-2003 schedule. The Generals are currently selling season tickets for all 36 home games for as low as $255.00 for goal view seats. Anyone purchasing season tickets will receive a season parking pass absolutely free while supplies last. Fans can receive season ticket and other information by clicking on the Generals new team website, www.greensborogenerals.com.

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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.

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