READING, PA – With the ECHL having reduced the number of teams in the league due to teams folding or being put on hold, the league is now down to 20 teams from 23. This has forced teams to take on more than on NHL affiliation this season. Here is a look at some of the announced affiliation changes and renewals for the upcoming 2009-10 season. The Las Vegas Wranglers announced that they have agreed to an affiliation agreement with the Phoenix Coyotes of the National Hockey League and San Antonio of the American Hockey League. The Kalamazoo Wings, formerly of the IHL, have reached an agreement to be an affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Philadelphia Flyers and San Jose Sharks. Philadelphia is affiliated with the Adirondack Phantoms (AHL), formerly the Philadelphia Phantoms. San Jose is affiliated with the Worchester Sharks (AHL). The Toledo Walleye, formerly known as the Toledo Storm, announced that they have reached an affiliation agreement with the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League and the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League. Toledo will also be affiliated with the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League and the Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League. The Reading Royals announced that they have renewed their affiliation with the Toronto Maple Leafs and that they have added an affiliation with the Boston Bruins. This is the second time in team history that Reading will have multiple affiliations in the same season. The Elmira Jackals announced that they have extended their affiliation agreement with the Ottawa Senators of the National Hockey League and the Binghamton Senators of the American Hockey League. The Idaho Steelheads announced that they have extended their affiliation agreement with the Dallas Stars. Dallas is also affiliated with the AHL’s Texas Stars who will be playing out of Cedar Park, Tx. The Stockton Thunder announced that they have renewed their affiliation with the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League. Edmonton is also affiliated with the Springfield Falcons (AHL). The Kelly Cup champion South Carolina Stingrays announced that they have renewed their affiliation with the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League and the Calder Cup champion Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League. The Charlotte Checkers announced that for the 16th consecutive season they will be the ECHL affiliate of the New York Rangers of the National Hockey League. Also, for the first time in team history, the Checkers announced that they will be the ECHL affiliate of the Colorado Avalanche of the National Hockey League and Lake Erie of the American Hockey League. This is also the first time they will have multiple affiliates in the same season. The Victoria Salmon Kings announced that they will be affiliated with the Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League for a fourth-consecutive season. The Las Vegas Wranglers announced that they have agreed to an affiliation agreement with the Phoenix Coyotes of the National Hockey League and San Antonio of the American Hockey League. The Bakersfield Condors will be affiliated with the Anaheim Ducks (NHL). Anaheim does not have an AHL affiliate at this time. Not all affiliations are finalized at this time and are subject to change. To get a complete overview of both leagues affiliates please check out the following links. AHL Affiliates ECHL Affiliates Contact the author at Brian.Jennings@prohockeynews.com
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