Colorado Avalanche Named San Diego's New NHL Affiliate
September 1, 2005 - ECHL (ECHL)
San Diego Gulls News Release
SAN DIEGO - The San Diego Gulls announced Thursday a new affiliation agreement with the two-time Stanley Cup Champion Colorado Avalanche. Colorado is expected to assign a group of players to the Gulls for the 2005-06 season.
"It's an honor for our organization to be associated with one of the premier franchises in the NHL," Gulls head coach Martin St. Amour said. "This is obviously a team committed to winning and will do anything to accomplish that, as their Stanley Cup championships prove. Off the ice the Avalanche are a very-well run organization and possess classy people to work with."
The Avalanche, who won the Stanley Cup in 1996 and 2001, have been one of the most prominent NHL franchises since relocating from Quebec in 1995. The Avalanche/Nordiques franchise established an NHL record in 2003 with their ninth straight division championship and have eclipsed the 100-point plateau five times, including a team high 118 points in 2000-01. Colorado has never finished a season below 95 points and has qualified for the Stanley Cup Playoffs every season.
"The ECHL represents a good place for some of our prospects to develop," said Craig Billington, the Avalanche's director of player development. "We are confident that the San Diego Gulls organization and hockey staff will provide a positive environment for our young players."
Said Gulls Chief Operating Officer Tera Black, "Obviously this is very exciting for the Gulls organization. The Avalanche is by far one of the most respected NHL franchises both on and off the ice. Their on-ice accolades represent their dedication to player development from the ground up. Having their young players in our system will not only benefit us, but the rest of our players as well. I am truly honored that Colorado has selected us to be their ECHL affiliate."
Colorado won its first Stanley Cup in 1996 after a four-game sweep of the Florida Panthers and captured its second title after defeating the New Jersey Devils in Game 7 of the 2001 finals.
The Gulls open their third season in the ECHL Friday, Oct. 21 in Alaska and open their home schedule Saturday, Nov. 5 against Stockton. Season ticket packages are currently on sale. For pricing and benefits, contact 619-224-GOAL, ext. 7. Individual tickets will go on sale in September. For information regarding any promotions and giveaways during the 2005-06 season, log onto www.sandiegogulls.com.
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