Ice Pilots Team Up With Chicago, Rockford
July 19, 2007 - ECHL (ECHL)
Pensacola Ice Pilots News Release
PENSACOLA, FL - President Greg Schuh and Head Coach John Marks are proud to announce the Pensacola Ice Pilots have entered into a one-year affiliation agreement with the Chicago Blackhawks of the NHL and the Rockford IceHogs of the AHL.
Marks who was a first round draft pick of the Blackhawks in 1968 and spent 10 years in the Chicago organization is thrilled to be affiliated with his old team. "I am excited to once again be a part of a very proud original six franchise," said Marks. "The Blackhawks organization was very good to me in my playing days and I hope through this affiliation, I can give back in a way that will help lead to their success. I know that General Manager Dale Tallon will make every effort necessary to return the Blackhawks to Stanley Cup status. The entire Pensacola ECHL franchise is very excited about this agreement. I also look forward to working closely with my good friend Al MacIsaac, General Manager of the AHL's Rockford IceHogs."
"We're excited about our new affiliations in Rockford and Pensacola," said Tallon. "We have a number of future prospects that will be playing for both teams. Prospects are the lifeblood of an organization. With these two affiliations, I feel that our future prospects are in good hands."
The Blackhawks boast a rich tradition as one of the "Original Six" NHL franchises. The team began play in 1926 and has won three Stanley Cup Championships (1934, 1938, and 1961) and 13 Division Championships. Twenty Hall of Famers have donned the Blackhawks sweater including Bobby Hull, Stan Mikita, Tony Esposito, and Denis Savard.
Chicago possesses a slew of young talent including the number one pick from the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, Patrick Kane, who had 145 points (62 Goals - 83 Assists) in 58 games with the London Knights (OHL) last season. Chicago also recently came to terms with its top pick, and third overall, from the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, Jonathan Toews, who spent the last two years at the University of North Dakota.
This will also mark Rockford's first year as an affiliate with the Blackhawks. The IceHogs are joining the American Hockey League (AHL) after playing in the United Hockey League (UHL) since their inception in 1999. Last season, Rockford culminated its time in the UHL by defeating the Kalamazoo Wings in seven games for its first Colonial Cup Championship.
Don't miss the hard hitting, exciting action, as the Ice Pilots return for their 12th season in Pensacola. 2007-2008 Season Tickets, Mini Plans, and Military Packages are now available through the Ice Pilots office. For more information, or to reserve your seats, call (850) 432-PUCK, or visit the Ice Pilots web site at www.icepilots.com.
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