Flames, Aces Become Affiliates
By Joe
On Wednesday, the Calgary Flames announced that they have teamed up with the ECHL’s Alaska Aces and will be affiliates starting this season. The Flames previous ECHL affiliate was the Utah Grizzlies since 2009.
Since Alaska joined the ECHL in 2003, the Aces are yet to miss the playoffs. In their 10 seasons, the Alaska Aces have been crowned ECHL Champions twice, in 2006 and in 2011.
This past season, the Anchorage-based team had the most points in the ECHL with 106 and posted a stellar 49-15-8 record.
“There are so many things to be excited about by partnering with Calgary and Abbotsford,” Aces’ Head Coach Rob Murray said. “We’re going to be able to give our guys a first-hand look at AHL training camps with a top-notch organization like the Heat. They’re going to be able to take that experience and grow from it all year long. Additionally, we know that we’re going to get some of the best young talent around to develop throughout the season.”
The Aces open the 2013 season on October 8 against the Cincinnati Cyclones.