Anaheim Ducks Announce Affiliation Agreement With Iowa

[VodkaFish]

ANAHEIM, Calif. – The Anaheim Ducks announced today that the National Hockey League (NHL) club has signed a multi-year affiliation agreement with Iowa of the American Hockey League (AHL).

“We are thrilled to be affiliating with the Schlegel family in a great hockey market such as Des Moines,” said Ducks Executive Vice President/General Manager Brian Burke. “The Ducks are very excited to have an opportunity to work with an ownership and management team that’s as committed to winning as we are. We would like to thank the Portland Pirates and their fans for their tremendous support over the last three years.”

The Ducks spent three seasons affiliated with the Portland Pirates of the AHL, beginning in 2005-06. As an Anaheim affiliate, Portland posted an overall record of 135-76-13-16 for 299 points in 480 games (.623 winning percentage). The Pirates also made deep runs in the Calder Cup Playoffs, advancing to Game 7 of the AHL Eastern Conference Finals in two of the last three years. Since the start of the 2006 postseason, the Ducks and their AHL affiliate have combined to win 10 playoff rounds, more than any other NHL organization in hockey (NHL/AHL).

Over the last three years, 18 players have graduated from the Ducks’ AHL affiliate to make their NHL debuts with Anaheim. Those players include: Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, Kent Huskins, Ryan Carter, Bobby Ryan, Drew Miller, Petteri Wirtanen, Andrew Ebbett, Dustin Penner, Ryan Shannon, Shane O’Brien, Aaron Rome, Trevor Gillies, Curtis Glencross, Zenon Konopka, Tim Brent, Bjorn Melin, and Michael Wall.

The Iowa Stars, purchased by Bob and Kirby Schlegel in October 2005, made their AHL debut as an affiliate of the Dallas Stars in 2005-06 and qualified for the Calder Cup Playoffs in each of their first two seasons. As Iowa’s lone professional hockey team, they have attracted over 550,000 fans to Wells Fargo Arena since joining the AHL.

In addition to the AHL, Des Moines is home to the Des Moines Buccaneers of the United States Hockey League (USHL) and two Midwest High School Hockey League (MHSHL) teams: the Oak Leafs and Capitals. Iowa has been active in the community since its AHL debut through team appearances, the creation of new youth hockey leagues and charitable events that have raised more than $100,000.

Iowa is scheduled to announce its team name, logo and colors in July.

[danski]

So where does this leave Portland ?

[caps05]

Originally Posted by danski

So where does this leave Portland ?

I've heard it's most likely getting Buffalo, who's been rumored to be leaving Rochester since before the end of the season.

That would then leave Rochester with Florida, who was sharing the Americans with Buffalo last year.

[chilly666]

i agree and the piece to puzzle left is where dallas will put there minor leaguers. my guess would be split them between houston and san antonio, but i dont know if minnesota or phoenix would let that fly.

[caps05]

Originally Posted by chilly666

i agree and the piece to puzzle left is where dallas will put there minor leaguers. my guess would be split them between houston and san antonio, but i dont know if minnesota or phoenix would let that fly.

I don't think the Stars could put it anywhere else logically. They'll want to keep it nearby, and while Houston and San Antonio may not exactly be next door, they are closer than any other AHL team right now.

[chilly666]

Originally Posted by caps05

I don't think the Stars could put it anywhere else logically. They'll want to keep it nearby, and while Houston and San Antonio may not exactly be next door, they are closer than any other AHL team right now.

yeah hopefully they're not like edmonton a couple years ago, when they had players in wbs, iowa, mil and wherever else they had them go to.

[Mr.Hockeyy]

Iowa will be a top contender come next season....they will be a much improved team!

[BrianTheAdsFan]

First Norfolk to Rockford and now Portland to Iowa along with the playoff stalwarts in the division. Milwukee is gonna have its hands full and should make for some great hockey next season.

[Purely_Purinton]

Originally Posted by BrianTheAdsFan

First Norfolk to Rockford and now Portland to Iowa along with the playoff stalwarts in the division. Milwukee is gonna have its hands full and should make for some great hockey next season.

Hopefully Burke stocks the farm with toughness next year, after almost a 50%decrease in scraps last season. Get Hoffman back with 2 good hands and a couple middies to back him up. Now does Dallas take over one of the dark franchises for a season before Austin is finished for 2009-10 or spread prospects out all over like Edmonton?

[Manimal]

The Mighty Ducks of Des Moines!

Hopefully not. What do you guys think they're gonna be called. Iowa Ducks?

[WolfKeeper]

Iowa Thunder is the name already being thrown about.

[chilly666]

Originally Posted by WolfKeeper

Iowa Thunder is the name already being thrown about.

yeah its already on wikipedia as the new name.

[Manimal]

Any news on where Dallas are putting their players next year?

[Jensen]

Originally Posted by Manimal

Any news on where Dallas are putting their players next year?

I've heard Austin, Texas.

[caps05]

Originally Posted by Jensen

I've heard Austin, Texas.

That won't be until 2009-10, I believe.