Jets, IceCaps extend affiliation

True North Sports & Entertainment, in conjunction with the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club, today announced an extension of their current American Hockey League affiliation with the St. John’s IceCaps for one additional season.

This extension will continue the partnership through the 2015-16 season.

“This is a proud day for the St. John’s IceCaps and I believe it epitomizes the never-say-die attitude our organization has exuded since day one,” said IceCaps President and CEO Danny Williams. “This extension will mean two more years guaranteed AHL action in St. John’s, and we will continue to work hard to see the team remain here long beyond 2016.

“The support of our loyal corporate partners and fans has been instrumental in our success, and we continue to rely upon that support as we look to the future. I would also like to thank the Winnipeg Jets organization for extending our relationship which has proven to be one of the most successful in the league; and sees us on the road to breaking the AHL record for consecutive sold out games this season.”

Kevin Cheveldayoff, Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Winnipeg Jets, said St. John’s has proven to be an outstanding affiliate.

“We are pleased to have agreed to an extension with Danny & the IceCaps organization that will see our top prospects develop their game there through 2016,” said Mr Cheveldayoff. “We have always maintained that St. John’s was an excellent hockey market which provided our players the opportunity to learn the game in an intense atmosphere backed by the support of some of the most fervent fans in the country.”

American Hockey League President and Chief Executive Officer Dave Andrews applauded the announcement.

“In three short years, the St. John’s IceCaps have become one of the highest performing franchises in the American Hockey League both on and off the ice,” said Mr. Andrews. “This extension between the IceCaps and the Jets is great news for the AHL and our great fans in Newfoundland and Labrador.”

Since its inception in 2011, the IceCaps have become one of the AHL’s most successful organizations. Led by head coach Keith McCambridge and assistant coach Mark Morrison, the IceCaps advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2012 and then last season made it all the way to the Calder Cup Finals. In three seasons, they have an overall regular season record of 121-84-10-13.

The IceCaps have helped develop 22 players who have appeared in games with the Winnipeg Jets such as John Albert, Ben Chiarot, Patrice Cormier, Michael Hutchinson, Carl Klingberg, Eric O’Dell and Paul Postma. First-year pros, like Brendan Kichton, J.C. Lipon, Adam Lowry and Josh Morrissey got their initial taste of pro hockey with the IceCaps and now hold bright futures as potential Winnipeg Jets.

Off the ice, under the guidance of Mr. Williams and governor and chief operating officer Glenn Stanford, the IceCaps have sold out all 133 regular-season and playoff home games since they arrived in St. John’s, as well as donated more than $1.5 million in cash and in kind to local charities. For their outstanding contribution to the American Hockey League, the IceCaps were named AHL Team of the Year in 2013-14.