Phoenix Coyotes general manager Don Maloney announced today that the Coyotes have signed a new affiliation agreement with the American Hockey League’s San Antonio Rampage, extending their relationship through the 2010-11 season.
The Rampage has been the Coyotes’ sole AHL affiliate since the 2005-06 season.
“We are excited to continue our relationship with the San Antonio Rampage,” said Maloney. “They are a first-class organization that provides an outstanding environment in which our young players can learn and develop. We have been extremely pleased with the affiliation to this point and look forward to a great future together.”
Maloney and Coyotes assistant GM Brad Treliving, who also serves as general manager for the Rampage, will make all decisions related to hockey operations for the Rampage. The Coyotes will provide the Rampage with all of the team’s players as well as the coaching staff.
“We are all excited and looking forward here in San Antonio to a long term relationship with the Phoenix Coyotes,” said Spurs Sports and Entertainment (SS&E) executive vice president Rick Pych. “This last year demonstrated the Coyotes commitment to building a competitive hockey program by acquiring and developing young, skilled character players. The Coyotes’ philosophy fits perfectly within our organization and their commitment has already resulted in the progress and success we witnessed with the San Antonio Rampage team last season."
Last season, the Rampage set a club record with 94 points in the regular season (42-28-3-7) and advanced to the Calder Cup Playoffs for the first time since their inaugural 2002-03 campaign. Their 94 points marked the third-highest point total ever by Coyotes’ AHL affiliate.
The team was led by Coyotes prospects such as Enver Lisin, Josh Tordjman and Keith Yandle while Chad Kolarik, and Kevin Porter joined the team for its playoff run. San Antonio has been a member of the AHL since the 2002-03 season when the Rampage joined the AHL as an expansion franchise. The team competes in the West Division of the AHL’s Western Conference.
The Rampage play their home games at the AT&T Center, which is also home to the 2007 NBA champion San Antonio Spurs and the WNBA Silver Stars.
