IU Hawks fan
They call me IU
Woah! Very interested to see how this plays out.
<iframe src="Drums Eye Roll GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY" width="480" height="266" frameBorder="0" class="giphy-embed" allowFullScreen></iframe><p><a href="">via GIPHY</a></p>Independence? In the Kansas City area? That's an interesting move.
I thought the AHL required teams to have a NHL affiliation?
Young said the decision was made because the Wolves believe the Hurricanes’ philosophy towards their AHL affiliate had changed this season.
“Within our affiliation, it says we will develop and also we want to win a Calder Cup,” said Young, who is in his 14th season as Wolves general manager. “I think the philosophy has changed, not our philosophy, but the philosophy has changed from up top. We had a really successful year and won the Calder Cup last year and developed players, gave them a few players too that are in their lineup now at minimum salary. I believe Carolina’s philosophy has changed. It was all about development. And our philosophy, it’s in our affiliation, that says develop and win. We think by winning, we develop. That’s where we stand.
“Also, some organizations are development-only, but we think if we have development and win playoff games, guys learn how to win, which you’re trying to do all the time. That’s changed. It’s time to go independent and follow our own philosophy.”
Wolves have always been that affiliate that you team up with in between your AHL affiliate. Canucks went to Chicago in between losing Manitoba due to the return of the Jets and before they got to Utica. Same with Vegas before they got one in Henderson, NV.Interesting.
I know the Wolves historically have always put their own interests first (i.e. winning) ahead of trying to develop players for NHL teams and have not always been seen as the greatest partner as a result.
But I too thought the AHL required teams to be an NHL affiliate - that's the direction the league has taken for a very long time now.
CUrious to see what happens.
Carolina needs an affiliate now. So figure they eye somewhere in the eastern time zone. It does seem odd to have a completely Independent team in a minor league. I doubt that happens with baseball’s AAA leagues.From the limited reading I’ve done, there doesn’t appear to be a AHL requirement that the Wolves maintain a AHL affiliation.
If that’s the long term position of Chicago, it does raise the question whether the AHL could add a 33rd team in upcoming years to have 32 NHL affiliated teams?
I think it's more that they would like to create their own independent hockey league if they could but the limitations of hockey don't allow that.Carolina needs an affiliate now. So figure they eye somewhere in the eastern time zone. It does seem odd to have a completely Independent team in a minor league. I doubt that happens with baseball’s AAA leagues.
Does anyone know how many current AHL teams aren't controlled by their NHL affiliates?
Does anyone know how many current AHL teams aren't controlled by their NHL affiliates?
They also said 2 things that gave me good thought.Check out this Podcast: Coffee, Grunge & Playoff Hockey Coffee, Grunge & Playoff Hockey
Friedman and Marek 32 Thoughts. Some discussion near end of podcast. Didn't address Carolina's need/desire for AHL affiliate. Wolves want to push to win every year, not develop/stockpile depth for NHL call ups.