MINNESOTA WILD EXTENDS ECHL AFFILIATION AGREEMENT WITH ALLEN AMERICANS
Nov 2, 2020The National Hockey League’s (NHL) Minnesota Wild today announced it has extended its ECHL affiliation agreement with the Allen Americans Professional Hockey Club for the 2020-21 season.
“We are excited to extend our ECHL affiliation agreement with the Allen Americans,” said Minnesota Wild Assistant General Manager and Iowa Wild General Manager Tom Kurvers. “Allen had a tremendous season last year and we look forward to the Americans serving as a development affiliate for our players again this season.”
“Minnesota is not only committed to developing players but also to winning,” said Allen Americans Head Coach and General Manager Steve Martinson. “Young prospects like Tyler Sheehy, Alex Breton and veterans Matt Register and Olivier Archambault help to insure our winning tradition.”
Under the affiliation agreement, the Americans will serve as a resource for the development efforts and personnel needs of both the Minnesota Wild and Iowa Wild. The agreement allows Wild prospects to be assigned to the Americans for developmental purposes throughout the season. Minnesota’s primary development affiliate is the Iowa Wild in the American Hockey League (AHL).
“Minnesota Sports & Entertainment (MSE) is a premier sports and entertainment brand and we are excited to extend our relationship with the Minnesota Wild on the ice,” shares Americans President & Alternate Governor Mike Waddell. “Craig Leipold, Bill Guerin, Dean Evason and Tom Kurvers are all outstanding hockey minds and we look forward to working together and making this a championship relationship.”
Since the affiliation agreement began for the 2018-19 season, the Minnesota Wild have sent several key players to Allen through Iowa. Last season Matt Register, Dereck Baribeau and Mitch McLain all saw significant ice time in Allen.
About the Allen Americans
The Allen Americans are the ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Minnesota Wild and the American Hockey League’s Iowa Wild. Championship Hockey is the backbone of the American’s franchise since being founded prior to the 2009-10 season, with the Red, White and Blue having captured two ECHL Kelly Cup Championships (2014-15, 2015-16) and two Central Hockey League President’s Cups (2012-13 & 2013-14). Americans’ home games are played at the Allen Event Center, which is located in The Village at Allen. Owned by nationally respected “Serial Entrepreneur” Jack D. Gulati, the Club begins its 12th season of professional hockey on December 12.