(L-R) Stockton Mayor Anthony SIlva, Calgary Flames GM Brad Treliving, Stockton Thunder GM Dave Piecuch – Photo by Jack Lima
STOCKTON, Calif. – The Calgary Flames joined Thunder General Manager Dave Piecuch and Stockton Mayor Anthony Silva to announce the future plans for AHL hockey operations in Stockton for the 2015-16 season. About a week ago, the NHL Calgary Flames formally completed the purchase of the Thunder organization.
“This is a great opportunity for Stockton. A city our size is a great host to development leagues. We have plenty to offer,” said Mayor Silva.
Silva thanked the former owner Brad Rowbotham and his wife Dawn for their support and investment into the community of Stockton during the past five years.
Media Relations Brandon Kisker addresses media and fans – Photo by Jack Lima
Several members of Stockton’s city government were on hand to witness the historical announcement. Silva encouraged citizens of Stockton to embrace the new ownership and to support the AHL in the Stockton Arena for the 2015-16 season and coming seasons.
The AHL Board of Governors formally approved the steps necessary to create a Pacific Division within the AHL. In addition to the Stockton team, the Anaheim Ducks will purchase the Norfolk Admirals AHL franchise and will relocate from Norfolk, Va., to San Diego, Calif. The AHL franchise owned by the Edmonton Oilers will relocate from Oklahoma City, Okla., to Bakersfield, Calif. The Los Angeles Kings will relocate their AHL franchise from Manchester, N.H., to Ontario, Calif., and the San Jose Sharks will move their AHL franchise from Worcester, Mass. to San Jose, Calif.
Calgary Flames General Manager Brad Treliving – Photo by Jack Lima
Flame’s General Manager Brad Treliving remarked of the historic announcement. “There will be five NHL teams with their primary affiliate here in California. We are proud to say we will have our top affiliate here in Stockton.”
“These are players that on Friday night, could be playing in Stockton, on Saturday in Calgary,” Treliving went on, “When you look at our organization, a major focus, in terms of building Stanley Cup Champions, is what you do through your development program. This team in Stockton will be a significant contributor to our future success in Calgary.”
Bringing AHL hockey to the west coast has been a long process according to Treliving. For several years the idea of having primary affiliates on the west coast would help to provide ease of travel back and forth from NHL to AHL.
“The Stockton Arena,” said Treliving regarding the decision, “is a world class facility. How the athletes play in and work at the facility was important. This is one of the most successful minor league teams over the last 10 years. Fans have supported this team continuously.”
“[Calgary Flames] are excited and elated to be owners of this team and we look forward to the AHL coming here next fall,” he added.
Stockton Thunder GM Dave Piecuch – Photo by Jack Lima
Piecuch remarked of the nearly 100 year history of the American Hockey League, adding that about 88 percent of the players in the NHL today once played in the AHL.
Many fans in attendance were concerned about the Thunder obligations towards season ticket holders. Many fans opted for two or three year guaranteed season ticket purchase, with the promise that the prices would not change. Piecuch said those contracts would be honored by the new Flames organization with the AHL. However, it wasn’t clear yet whether prices would increase for other ticket purchases. He also added that new names for the team are being considered and that a contest for fans to help to choose the new name would kick off in the near future.
For the duration of the 2014-15 ECHL season, the Stockton Thunder will continue operations as normal. Although some fans wondered about the Thunder’s current affiliation agreement with the New York Islanders; Treliving said that there would not be any impacts with the new ownership.
Treliving added the Flames organization plans to be active, emotionally and financially, contributing members to Stockton in the future. Schedules and division alignments are details that are still being worked out by the AHL.
With the announcement today of the other purchases and movement of AHL teams, many speculated of the ECHL teams and where they would be left. There may be announcements in the near future when the final details have been worked through of their futures as well.
More about the AHL: 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. Through the years the AHL has been home to more than 100 honored members of the Hockey Hall of Fame.
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