Quad City Mallards affiliates with Flyers

MOLINE -- The Quad City Mallards of the International Hockey League has announced the team will affiliate with the NHL Philadelphia Flyers.

Under the agreement announced Monday, the Flyers will be allowed to assign a limited number of players to the Mallards' roster during the 2009-2010 season.

An owner of the Mallards, Christopher Lencheski, says aligning the team with the Flyers is an honor. He adds the affiliation will also serve the team as it tries to emulate the Flyers physical style of play.

Comcast-Spectacor owns the Flyers, along with the Philadelphia 76ers basketball team. Company president Peter Luukko is calling the Mallards and exceptional organization, saying the Flyers look forward to helping the Mallards develop a competitive team.