Colorado Avalanche Executive Vice President and General Manager, Joe Sakic
LOVELAND, Colo. – On Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2017, the culmination of more than 18 months of discussion, planning, and negotiation came to fruition with the announcement of the Colorado Eagles as the American Hockey League Affiliate for the Colorado Avalanche beginning with the 2018-2019 hockey season.
Eagles CEO and part owner, Martin Lind, made the official announcement and shared the process of developing the relationships that led to this partnership with the Avalanche from the ECHL affiliation to this new
Assistant Avalanche GM Craig Billington, Eagles CEO and owner, Martin Lind, Avalanche EVP and GM, Joe Sakic, Eagles President and GM, Chris Stewart, Eagles Founder Ralph Backstrom
AHL partnership.
Avalanche Executive Vice President and General Manager, Joe Sakic, spoke of the logic and convenience of having your young players developed 50 miles up the road rather than thousands of miles across the country.
Current Colorado Eagles President and General Manager, Chris Stewart, entertained the media and guests, including numerous Eagles alumni, current coaching staff, and front office personnel, with his quick recap of the history of the Colorado Eagles from the beginings in 2002-2003 to the current status and successes of the team as they start the 2017-2018 season.
Eagles Head Coach Aaron Schneekloth, Eagles Assistant Coach Ryan Tobler, Former Eagles Assistant Coach, Phil Crowe and seated is Former Head Coach and Current President and CEO of the Colorado Eagles, Chris Stewart.
A prerecorded video from the President and CEO of the American Hockey League, Dave Andrews, welcomed the Colorado Eagles to the AHL.
The Colorado Eagles begin play in the 2017-2018 ECHL season in defense of the Kelly Cup on Friday, October 13, 2017 against the Utah Grizzlies.
Gametime is 7:05 MT at the Budweiser Events Center in Loveland, Colorado.
Story and Photos courtesy of the Author/Photographer terrysanford@prohockeynews.com
You must be logged in to post a comment.