The Colorado Avalanche announced today that they have officially extended their partnership with AHL affiliate Lake Erie Monsters. Lake Erie has been the AHL affiliate and top farm club for the Avalanche for the past four seasons, and their agreement will now run for the forseeable future.
↵The two clubs have developed a close relationship the past couple of years, with current Avalanche head coach Joe Sacco hired directly from Lake Erie, where he helped develop many of the young players currently on the NHL roster.
↵↵↵"We are thrilled from both a hockey and business perspective to continue our affiliation with the Avalanche," said Monsters President Kerry Bubolz. "They have been a true partner with us, and as one of the elite franchises in the NHL, we feel that they align perfectly with our organization’s desire to be the best in the AHL."
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This is a good fit for both organizations, and a sign of mutual respect. The only downside is the potential travel distance between Denver and Cleveland, a problem that occasionally arises whenever injuries dictate emergency callups. Still, this is only a minor flaw in an otherwise very healthy, and now long-term, relationship.