While the latest chapter in the NHL's CBA saga continued to unfold behind closed doors today, the Winnipeg Jets also offered a small ripple of news amidst the tsunami currently taking place at league headquarters.
Today it was announced through Scott Brown's Twitter feed that the Winnipeg Jets had extended their affiliation with the ECHL's Colorado Eagles through the 2012-13 season, marking the clubs second year of partnership.
The Eagles posted a 38-28-1-5 record last year — good enough for fourth in the Western Conference standings. They were then swept 3-0 by the Stockton Thunder in the Conference Quarterfinals, ending their season.
"We are excited to continue our partnership with the Colorado Eagles as an affiliate for the upcoming season," said Craig Heisinger, the Jets’ Senior VP and Director of Hockey Operations/Assistant GM in a press release. "Player development is one of the most important elements for long term success for an organization and we know Colorado will provide a great opportunity for some of our young players to gain valuable experience and new skills.""Our first season as an affiliate of the Jets & IceCaps went very well and we look forward to continuing those relationships," said Chris Stewart, President and GM of the Eagles. "We’re honoured that those teams consider our organization a quality place for their prospects to develop and we hope to provide them with a first-class, competitive environment in which to do so as we strive to win the Kelly Cup championship."
It was less than a month ago that the Jets announced they had renewed their affiliation to the St. John's IceCaps — their AHL affiliate — so this news should carries little shock value, considering the loyalty team owner Mark Chipman has showed to his own so far.
Chris Carrozzi and Ben Chiarot are two players under contract with the Jets to have played last year with the Eagles, though Carrozi played most games with the Ontario Reign after being acquired by loan. 24 year old Michael Forney — one of Colorado's leading scorers in 2011-12 — is still without contract. Additionally the Jets / Ice Caps signed a former Colorado Eagle, Joey Sides, to a contract last week.
