Caps Considering Hershey as New Affiliate

The Colorado Avalanche haven’t chosen a new affiliate yet, but they have said goodbye to the Hershey Bears.

The Washington Capitals, currently affiliated with the Portland Pirates, are believed to be interested in having Hershey as an affiliate.  The Caps were affiliated with Hershey from 1977-78 to 1983-84.

Distance was a major factor in Colorado’s decision.  The Avs are said to be considering a team closer in locale as an affiliate, although this season few players were actually under Colorado contract, and Hershey was not happy with the arrangement either.

If the Capitals were to choose Hershey as their new AHL affiliate over Portland, the drive would be reduced from ten hours to two.  Air travel was possible from Portland, but the Times notes weather is always a concern.

Many NHL teams have chosen AHL affiliates that are closer in location over the past decade, or even have the team move into the same NHL city.  Some of the latest moves include the Edmonton Oilers’ affiliate moved from Toronto to Edmonton in time for the 2004-05 season and the Toronto Maple Leafs’ affiliate in St. John’s will move to Toronto next season.

Posted by David M Singer on Mar 26, 2005 at 05:29 AM
AHL • NHL • Rumors

Comments:

  1. This is a stretch seeing the Lightning just finished their first season with their new affiliate, the Springfield Falcons, but I woudl NOT be surprised if you heard the Lightning were somehow involved in a trade off to get Hershey as their affiliate. 

    Bolts GM Jay Feaster having worked for the Bears and the Bolts being a partial-affiliate with the Bears the prefvious season both factor in. 

    But then again, contracts are contracts and the Lightning just signed their deal with Springfield last year.

    Posted by John F on Mar 26, 2005 at 02:12 PM

  2. What does the announcement that the Pirates have signed a 5 year lease with Portland Civic Arena, including much needed upgrades, do for the talk of the Bears getting hooked up with the Capitals?  Seems they just dug in deeper.

    Posted by Bob on Apr 08, 2005 at 11:16 AM
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