Wolves sign 2-year deal with Canucks
The Chicago Wolves’ search for a new NHL team is officially over as they announced Monday morning their new affiliation with the Vancouver Canucks.
The Wolves’ 11-year affiliation with the Atlanta Thrashers ended in June when the Thrashers were purchased by True North Sports and Entertainment and moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba, the home of Vancouver’s former AHL affiliate, the Manitoba Moose.
Wolves general manager Wendell Young said that seven teams, which he wouldn’t name, came courting, but Vancouver was the “best fit.”
“They have the same philosophy as us,” Young said. “They want their players to develop ... and they want their players to learn how to win, and that’s what we’re about.”
The Vancouver side agreed.
“Our young players will gain experience living and playing in a big city and playing with an organization that is extremely professional ... it (the Wolves) rivals an NHL team, so they’re going to be in a terrific environment,” said Mike Gillis, the Canucks’ president and general manager.
The new connection ties together significant rivalries, as the Rockford IceHogs, one of the Wolves’ biggest rivals in the AHL, are affiliated with the Blackhawks, one of Vancouver’s biggest rivals in the NHL. And now, the future pests and hockey stars of Vancouver will practice and play their games in Rosemont’s Allstate Arena.
Young said the rivalries had “zero relevance” in the decision to sign with Vancouver, but admitted the future could be interesting.
Said Young: “It’s an added dimension to our games with Rockford, especially with the two affiliates going head to head.”
Gillis said the Wolves were their No. 1 choice, and understandably so. In 17 years of play, Chicago’s AHL team has never had a losing season and has won four league championships.
Vancouver also has a history of success, as the Canucks were awarded the President’s Trophy after completing the 2010-11 regular season with the best record in the NHL and making their third appearance in the Stanley Cup finals.
The agreement extends through the 2012-2013 season, after which it will open for renegotiations. The Wolves’ new season begins this fall.
“We’re married for two years, and we’ll see how it goes,” said Young.