WINNIPEG, Manitoba – As the long hot summer starts to turn to cooler fall weather, the hot-bed that is the Winnipeg Jets head office continues to get their long list of to do’s, done. This week was no different. In a timely fashion, True North Sports & Entertainment acquired the Atlanta Thrashers, moved their farm system to St Johnâs to become the IceCaps, now they have gone a step further in their quest to develop younger player with an ECHL-affiliation with the Colorado Eagles.
This is Coloradoâs first season in the ECHL after spending their time in the Central Hockey League; they were a powerhouse team that holds the record for consecutive game sell outs.
The ECHL is branded as “The Farm teamâs farm team”; both the Jets and IceCaps have the right to send players down to Colorado for extra if they cannot hold their own in either the NHL or AHL.
Chris Stewart, who is the Eagles President and General Manager, acknowledged the affiliation.
“It is great for all parties involved because we get to help develop some the NHL;s top draft choices and the Ice Caps and Jets in return get to send their players to a professional environment,â Stewart said.
Jets GM, Kevin Cheveldayoff, and IceCaps Chief Operating Officer, Glenn Stafford, have both said that âplayer development is the key to success for any organization and ours is no different this gives the Ice Caps and Jets almost unlimited access to great players, and the Eagles get to draw from a large talent pool itâs a win-win.â
The Colorado Eagles open their training camp on September the 30th 2011 at the Budweiser Event Centre and are hoping to make a big impact in their first season in the ECHL, and their first as a major affiliation.
Pro Hockey News readers can follow the latest on the Colorado Eagles through PHNâs beat writer, Terry Sanford.
