The Vancouver Canucks confirmed on Friday that their American Hockey League affiliate will play out of the Utica (N.Y.) Memorial Auditorium in 2013-14, and announced that the franchise will be known as the Utica Comets.
The local management group in Utica, Mohawk Valley Garden (MVG), is led by former NHL goaltender Robert Esche and longtime AHL owner and executive Frank DuRoss.
“We look forward to a new AHL affiliation and the development of our prospects in Utica, New York,” Canucks president/general manager Mike Gillis stated in a press release. “There was a strong interest in bringing an AHL team back to Utica and a real commitment to provide a positive environment for the growth and success of players in the Canucks system.”
“Vancouver is a first class organization, and we are proud to partner with them here in Utica to develop their future NHL talent,” DuRoss said.
According to the Vancouver Sun, the deal between the Canucks and MVG is a multi-year agreement, with mutual outs for both parties at various points. Additionally, Canucks assistant general manager Laurence Gilman said the NHL club won’t “bear the risk” if the Comets fail to break even.
Rumours were rampant back in the spring that the Canucks’ farm team was going to move to Abbotsford to replace the Heat, who were said to be ticketed for Utica.
But the Canucks were unable to come to an agreement with the City of Abbotsford, and on April 22, the city confirmed that talks had broken down, ensuring that the Calgary Flames-affiliated Heat would return for the 2013-14 season.
Mayor Bruce Banman left the door open to future talks between the NHL franchise and the municipality, though, and it’s thought that the Canucks would still like to bring their AHL affiliate to Abbotsford eventually.
In an AHL press release, league president Dave Andrews stated that the board of governors unanimously approved the relocation of the former Peoria Rivermen franchise – purchased by the Canucks in late March – to Utica.
“The city of Utica has a rich hockey history and a passionate fan base,” Andrews said. “We welcome the Comets to the American Hockey League and look forward to returning to the Mohawk Valley.”
