New Jersey Devils develop partnership with Kalamazoo Wings in ECHL -NHL News Update
New Jersey Devils added another club onto their list of affiliate teams in minor leagues throughout North America by inking an affiliate agreement with the East Coast Hockey League’s (ECHL), Kalamazoo Wings, on Tuesday, October 04, 2011, for the new upcoming
regular season.
Kalamazoo Wings, also known as the K-Wings, were delighted to reach an agreement with one of the National Hockey League’s (NHL) most celebrated clubs.
"We (K-Wings) are honoured to be associated with two of the most prestigious organizations in the NHL", said K-Wings President Paul L. Pickard, said. “The Devils have created a culture of winning through their affiliations and we are delighted to be working
with them to help develop their players”.
Along with having developed a strategic partnership with New Jersey, a team which has won five divisional titles in the last decade along with three Stanley Cup championships, Kalamazoo Wings will also be in affiliation with Devils other partner in the American
Hockey League (AHL), Albany Devils, which is owned by the major league team.
New Jersey Devils senior vice president, Chris Lamoriello, was also happy at the event and termed it as an opportunity to allow their players to grow further, which will be a mutual process.
“The development of our players at every level has always been a top priority for our organization”, said Chris Lamoriello. “We look forward to working with the Kalamazoo Wings to help strengthen this process”.
The move to join hands with Kalamazoo Wings came after the club cut its affiliation with team owned, Trenton Devils, of the ECHL, for this season until they can meet the terms and conditions required by New Jersey.
This is not the first time K-Wings have been affiliated with an NHL team. In the past, the minor league club has enjoyed affiliation with Detroit Red Wings, Philadelphia Flyers, Vancouver Canucks, Minnesota North Stars, Dallas Stars, San Jose Sharks and
New York Islanders.
Currently, they are also in affiliation with Vancouver Canucks, the NHL’s Western Conference franchise in Canada.
With plans to bring up more talent for New Jersey, who were unable to make the playoffs for the first time in nearly a decade last time around, creating a good relationship with K-Wings will certainly allow them to achieve their goals.
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