Going it alone in Lowell!

[aLADDin]

From Hockeysfuture:
Just saw an article that indicates that the Flames are considering setting up their AHL affiliate in Omaha, Nebraska. Looks like we'll have some room to "grow up" some of our young'uns now. :spin: :angel:
I think this will force the 'Canes organization to take a more long-term approach to staffing and scouting. And to the next draft, WHENEVER it occurs.


Warren

[goalie33]

It would certainly make it easier to get the baby Flames home in a pinch.

[Turbulence]

Omaha needs a pro team of some sort anyhow.

I just don't know if we'll be able to fill a team of our own again....much of the forward depth that has been in Lowell (MacDonald, DeFauw, Kurka, Heerema, Surma, so on and so forth...) isn't part of the organization anymore...

[StormShaman]

This is a good thing--it'll force this organization to once again pay some attention to the farm system, and HOPEfully get them to quit nickel-and-diming everything to death.

[aLADDin]

Much of the "talent" that is upwardly tradable that has been garnered through the draft is goaltender talent. This year's limit of one goaltender at Lowell is pretty frustrating, considering that goal is the one defining strength of our organization. We currently have 12 picks in the next draft- 8 in the first four rounds, which is reputed to be a DEEEEEEEEEEP one. My question is, do we go quality, quantity, or veteran with the opportunity this next draft holds? Sure it would be nice to get Mr. Crosby in red and white, but I remember how badly a lot of the faithful wanted Ovechkin this year. Truth is, getting a player of his caliber is so hard when that draft lottery can take an earned 30th place finish and move you up, out of Crosby range. With so much in limbo, I would rather see the 'Canes organization critically analyze the needs of the organization for the next five years during this hiatus and be ready to mimic those organizations that have been getting deep in talent, like New Jersey, Atlanta, Washington & Pittsburgh. Let's stock up on defensemen, centers, and wings and leave the goalies alone this year. Even with the opportunity to carry more goalies, we can't get all of them playing time in Lowell once we get them all signed. OK.. time for me to vacate the pulpit. Next...


Warren

[LLM639]

2005 = lockmonsters will win 10 games and be stocked with college and AHL players. Only Richmond, Ward, possibly Bayda now that he is turning into a goon and goal scorer are the only real prospects on that team. Ziggy still has skating issues. The other prospects are years away. St. Jacques and Rourke won't be here but not consistent enough to play day in and day out in the show.

History repeats itself from 2 years ago...... ugh.

[LLM639]

2005-2006 = lockmonsters will win 10 games and be stocked with college and AHL players. Only Richmond, Ward, possibly Bayda now that he is turning into a goon and goal scorer are the only real prospects on that team. Ziggy still has skating issues. The other prospects are years away. St. Jacques and Rourke won't be here but not consistent enough to play day in and day out in the show.

History repeats itself from 2 years ago...... ugh.

Hate to say it but without calgary, this team would not be doing as well as it is.

[Staalgurl4ever]

Ever since I started keeping track of the Lock Monsters. It was great that they shared this team with the Flames. Most of the best players are form Calgary. So who will know what will happen.

[puckin_A]

St. Jacques and Rourke won't be here but not consistent enough to play day in and day out in the show.

I don't agree. Bruno will be fine in the NHL now they has his *stomach* issue cleared. Finally had hernia surgery to get that done.

[puckin_A]

St. Jacques and Rourke won't be here but not consistent enough to play day in and day out in the show.

I don't agree. Bruno will be fine in the NHL now they has his *stomach* issue cleared. Finally had hernia surgery to get that done.

[AbNormal27]

Calgary Flames are preparing to announce new affiliate in AHL

CALGARY (CP) - Despite the extended NHL lockout the Calgary Flames are poised to announce a new American Hockey League affiliate.

"We'll announce it in early January. It's literally a technicality on the lease that's holding up the announcement," Flames President Ken King said Thursday.

"We want to get that going because it'll open up for the fall of 2005. In that city they haven't had hockey. They did many, many years ago so this is a return for them and so we'll announce it then."

King refused to say which city would be hosting the Flames' new farm team except to say it was in the American Midwest and was considerably closer to Calgary than Lowell.

The Flames have been sharing the Lock Monsters in Lowell, Mass., with the Carolina Hurricanes since the demise of the Saint John Flames in New Brunswick.

After a decade as one of Canada's most successful American Hockey League franchises, Saint John shut down in April, 2003.

There have been a number of Midwestern U.S. cities that have had AHL franchises in the past including Indianapolis, where the Capitals played from 1939-1952.

"I would have loved to have had it in Canada but we're back from a two-year hiatus where we were sharing a team with Carolina," King said.

Another team would push AHL membership up from 28 in 2004-05 to 30 for next season, providing one development team for each NHL club. The expansion Iowa Stars, who will begin play at the brand new Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines as the Dallas Stars' affiliate, will also start play next season.

In other news Thursday, the AHL's board of governors approved the sale of the Worcester IceCats to by the St. Louis Blues to Bruce Saurs and Anne Griffith, and approved the relocation of the franchise to Peoria, Ill., for next season.

The team will be known as the Peoria Rivermen and will remain the Blues' affiliate, playing out of the at the 9,919-seat Carver Arena.

King says having its own farm team once again will allow the Flames to better control the development of their players.

"Darryl (Sutter) will assign the coaches. He'll have more room on the roster for our prospects," he said. "Last year (during the NHL playoffs) we were down to pretty slim pickings. We've had players in Las Vegas and the East Coast League. It'll bring all our prospects together."

Aaryn

[AbNormal27]

Calgary Flames are preparing to announce new affiliate in AHL

CALGARY (CP) - Despite the extended NHL lockout the Calgary Flames are poised to announce a new American Hockey League affiliate.

"We'll announce it in early January. It's literally a technicality on the lease that's holding up the announcement," Flames President Ken King said Thursday.

"We want to get that going because it'll open up for the fall of 2005. In that city they haven't had hockey. They did many, many years ago so this is a return for them and so we'll announce it then."

King refused to say which city would be hosting the Flames' new farm team except to say it was in the American Midwest and was considerably closer to Calgary than Lowell.

The Flames have been sharing the Lock Monsters in Lowell, Mass., with the Carolina Hurricanes since the demise of the Saint John Flames in New Brunswick.

After a decade as one of Canada's most successful American Hockey League franchises, Saint John shut down in April, 2003.

There have been a number of Midwestern U.S. cities that have had AHL franchises in the past including Indianapolis, where the Capitals played from 1939-1952.

"I would have loved to have had it in Canada but we're back from a two-year hiatus where we were sharing a team with Carolina," King said.

Another team would push AHL membership up from 28 in 2004-05 to 30 for next season, providing one development team for each NHL club. The expansion Iowa Stars, who will begin play at the brand new Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines as the Dallas Stars' affiliate, will also start play next season.

In other news Thursday, the AHL's board of governors approved the sale of the Worcester IceCats to by the St. Louis Blues to Bruce Saurs and Anne Griffith, and approved the relocation of the franchise to Peoria, Ill., for next season.

The team will be known as the Peoria Rivermen and will remain the Blues' affiliate, playing out of the at the 9,919-seat Carver Arena.

King says having its own farm team once again will allow the Flames to better control the development of their players.

"Darryl (Sutter) will assign the coaches. He'll have more room on the roster for our prospects," he said. "Last year (during the NHL playoffs) we were down to pretty slim pickings. We've had players in Las Vegas and the East Coast League. It'll bring all our prospects together."

Aaryn

[Turbulence]

My bet is on Omaha.

[Turbulence]

My bet is on Omaha.

[puck_it]

the Omaha Steaks... no offense turby

[puck_it]

the Omaha Steaks... no offense turby

[LLM639]

*breaks out black armbands mourning the loss of Calgary*

[LLM639]

*breaks out black armbands mourning the loss of Calgary*

[StormShaman]

*deleted by Shell*

[StormShaman]

*deleted by Shell*

[Mona]

Myhres... :cry: :evil: I hope the Monsters can still stay strong after their departure.

[Mona]

Myhres... :cry: :evil: I hope the Monsters can still stay strong after their departure.

[Turbulence]

Flames' AHL franchise moving to Omaha

Canadian Press

3/28/2005

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (CP) - New Brunswick's loss is Nebraska's gain.

The American Hockey League's board of governors has approved the relocation of the Calgary Flames' inactive Saint John, N.B., franchise to Omaha, Neb., effective next season.

The team will play its home games at the renovated downtown Omaha Civic Auditorium.

"We are thrilled to welcome the city of Omaha to the excitement, energy and skill level of the American Hockey League," said AHL president David Andrews. "Omaha has a rich hockey tradition, and this partnership of the Knights with one of the top NHL organizations in the Calgary Flames will most certainly provide Nebraska sports fans with a team to be proud of in every respect.



"As we enter our historic 70th season of play, Omaha will provide an immediate competitive rivalry with Chicago, Milwaukee, Grand Rapids and our other newest teams in Des Moines and Peoria."

The Flames have been sharing the Lock Monsters in Lowell, Mass., with the Carolina Hurricanes since the demise of the Saint John Flames. After a decade as one of Canada's most successful AHL franchises, Saint John shut down in April, 2003.

The addition of Omaha brings the AHL to 30 teams as it prepares to commemorate its 70th anniversary in 2005-06. Also joining the league next season are the Iowa Stars (Dallas Stars), Peoria Rivermen (new affiliate of St. Louis Blues) and Toronto Marlies (Toronto Maple Leafs' affiliate transferring from St. John's, Nfld.)

Looks like we will be going it alone in Lowell.

[Turbulence]

Flames' AHL franchise moving to Omaha

Canadian Press

3/28/2005

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (CP) - New Brunswick's loss is Nebraska's gain.

The American Hockey League's board of governors has approved the relocation of the Calgary Flames' inactive Saint John, N.B., franchise to Omaha, Neb., effective next season.

The team will play its home games at the renovated downtown Omaha Civic Auditorium.

"We are thrilled to welcome the city of Omaha to the excitement, energy and skill level of the American Hockey League," said AHL president David Andrews. "Omaha has a rich hockey tradition, and this partnership of the Knights with one of the top NHL organizations in the Calgary Flames will most certainly provide Nebraska sports fans with a team to be proud of in every respect.



"As we enter our historic 70th season of play, Omaha will provide an immediate competitive rivalry with Chicago, Milwaukee, Grand Rapids and our other newest teams in Des Moines and Peoria."

The Flames have been sharing the Lock Monsters in Lowell, Mass., with the Carolina Hurricanes since the demise of the Saint John Flames. After a decade as one of Canada's most successful AHL franchises, Saint John shut down in April, 2003.

The addition of Omaha brings the AHL to 30 teams as it prepares to commemorate its 70th anniversary in 2005-06. Also joining the league next season are the Iowa Stars (Dallas Stars), Peoria Rivermen (new affiliate of St. Louis Blues) and Toronto Marlies (Toronto Maple Leafs' affiliate transferring from St. John's, Nfld.)

Looks like we will be going it alone in Lowell.

[Turbulence]

Flames' AHL franchise moving to Omaha

Canadian Press

3/28/2005

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (CP) - New Brunswick's loss is Nebraska's gain.

The American Hockey League's board of governors has approved the relocation of the Calgary Flames' inactive Saint John, N.B., franchise to Omaha, Neb., effective next season.

The team will play its home games at the renovated downtown Omaha Civic Auditorium.

"We are thrilled to welcome the city of Omaha to the excitement, energy and skill level of the American Hockey League," said AHL president David Andrews. "Omaha has a rich hockey tradition, and this partnership of the Knights with one of the top NHL organizations in the Calgary Flames will most certainly provide Nebraska sports fans with a team to be proud of in every respect.



"As we enter our historic 70th season of play, Omaha will provide an immediate competitive rivalry with Chicago, Milwaukee, Grand Rapids and our other newest teams in Des Moines and Peoria."

The Flames have been sharing the Lock Monsters in Lowell, Mass., with the Carolina Hurricanes since the demise of the Saint John Flames. After a decade as one of Canada's most successful AHL franchises, Saint John shut down in April, 2003.

The addition of Omaha brings the AHL to 30 teams as it prepares to commemorate its 70th anniversary in 2005-06. Also joining the league next season are the Iowa Stars (Dallas Stars), Peoria Rivermen (new affiliate of St. Louis Blues) and Toronto Marlies (Toronto Maple Leafs' affiliate transferring from St. John's, Nfld.)

Looks like we will be going it alone in Lowell.

[nccanes]

I think LLM hinted in the Game Day thread that there would likely be another partner in Lowell after the Flames departure.

I know there are some that think that we need our own AHL team, but taking a look at how well that's gone for Tampa in Springfield, one does have to wonder if sharing is a better option when you don't have a crop of prospects to fill the roster out.

[nccanes]

I think LLM hinted in the Game Day thread that there would likely be another partner in Lowell after the Flames departure.

I know there are some that think that we need our own AHL team, but taking a look at how well that's gone for Tampa in Springfield, one does have to wonder if sharing is a better option when you don't have a crop of prospects to fill the roster out.

[nccanes]

I think LLM hinted in the Game Day thread that there would likely be another partner in Lowell after the Flames departure.

I know there are some that think that we need our own AHL team, but taking a look at how well that's gone for Tampa in Springfield, one does have to wonder if sharing is a better option when you don't have a crop of prospects to fill the roster out.

[LLM639]

not to worry, Lowell will have a dance partner next year, but it is not official yet so I cannot spill the beans. ;)

I can tell you that the flames will be sorely missed in Lowell. *sigh* THere will be a season next year (replacement players if it is still a $@ billion game of chicken) and assuming the kids all play nice, Ward, Richmond, St. Jaques, possibly Rourke and Staal will not be in Lowell. Not sure who is left under contract for next year, there may be fresh canes here next fall.

I can give you a hint on the new affiliation.... it continues with the disaster theme... i.e. carolina hurricanes, worcester tornadoes....

[LLM639]

not to worry, Lowell will have a dance partner next year, but it is not official yet so I cannot spill the beans. ;)

I can tell you that the flames will be sorely missed in Lowell. *sigh* THere will be a season next year (replacement players if it is still a $@ billion game of chicken) and assuming the kids all play nice, Ward, Richmond, St. Jaques, possibly Rourke and Staal will not be in Lowell. Not sure who is left under contract for next year, there may be fresh canes here next fall.

I can give you a hint on the new affiliation.... it continues with the disaster theme... i.e. carolina hurricanes, worcester tornadoes....

[LLM639]

not to worry, Lowell will have a dance partner next year, but it is not official yet so I cannot spill the beans. ;)

I can tell you that the flames will be sorely missed in Lowell. *sigh* THere will be a season next year (replacement players if it is still a $@ billion game of chicken) and assuming the kids all play nice, Ward, Richmond, St. Jaques, possibly Rourke and Staal will not be in Lowell. Not sure who is left under contract for next year, there may be fresh canes here next fall.

I can give you a hint on the new affiliation.... it continues with the disaster theme... i.e. carolina hurricanes, worcester tornadoes....

[nccanes]

Hmmmm......while I'd like to think that a Blue Leaf is a natural disaster, I have no interest in sharing anything with Toronto. ;)

And given the recent developments in Hershey, I'm thinking we'll have a partner from the winter time natural disaster theme.

Wonder if they'll but a footprint on the shoulder? ;)

[nccanes]

Hmmmm......while I'd like to think that a Blue Leaf is a natural disaster, I have no interest in sharing anything with Toronto. ;)

And given the recent developments in Hershey, I'm thinking we'll have a partner from the winter time natural disaster theme.

Wonder if they'll but a footprint on the shoulder? ;)

[nccanes]

Hmmmm......while I'd like to think that a Blue Leaf is a natural disaster, I have no interest in sharing anything with Toronto. ;)

And given the recent developments in Hershey, I'm thinking we'll have a partner from the winter time natural disaster theme.

Wonder if they'll but a footprint on the shoulder? ;)

[Turbulence]

Wonder if they'll but a footprint on the shoulder? ;)

I always thought it funny that, of all teams, Adam Foote played for the one with a foot as its logo. :D
Come to think of it, what does a foot have to do with that particular natural disaster? I never understood that.

[Turbulence]

Wonder if they'll but a footprint on the shoulder? ;)

I always thought it funny that, of all teams, Adam Foote played for the one with a foot as its logo. :D
Come to think of it, what does a foot have to do with that particular natural disaster? I never understood that.

[Turbulence]

Wonder if they'll but a footprint on the shoulder? ;)

I always thought it funny that, of all teams, Adam Foote played for the one with a foot as its logo. :D
Come to think of it, what does a foot have to do with that particular natural disaster? I never understood that.

[nccanes]

I always presumed it was a Abominable Snowman/Big Foot type thing.

[nccanes]

I always presumed it was a Abominable Snowman/Big Foot type thing.

[nccanes]

I always presumed it was a Abominable Snowman/Big Foot type thing.

[goalie33]

That particular team would be good for Cam, seeing as the *BLANK*s' top prospect in goal is Phillippe Sauve :sick:.

[goalie33]

That particular team would be good for Cam, seeing as the *BLANK*s' top prospect in goal is Phillippe Sauve :sick:.

[goalie33]

That particular team would be good for Cam, seeing as the *BLANK*s' top prospect in goal is Phillippe Sauve :sick:.

[LLM639]

Portland is also supposedly making an *official anouncement* of who their affiliation will be next year, real soon.

Blue leaf natural disaster... :lol: I always thought their farm team should be named the saplings.

In a goofy way, I would love to see a big foot, big something on the shoulders of the jerseys, but as I understand it, carolina will retain 51% of the operation (hence controlling interest) so the canes logo will probably stay on the jerseys. Nothing of the flames org is on the jerseys or on the pants now so whoever does go on there, will probably have no org representation on the jersey.

And it could be a really interesting color scheme/logo fest with the new team!

[LLM639]

Portland is also supposedly making an *official anouncement* of who their affiliation will be next year, real soon.

Blue leaf natural disaster... :lol: I always thought their farm team should be named the saplings.

In a goofy way, I would love to see a big foot, big something on the shoulders of the jerseys, but as I understand it, carolina will retain 51% of the operation (hence controlling interest) so the canes logo will probably stay on the jerseys. Nothing of the flames org is on the jerseys or on the pants now so whoever does go on there, will probably have no org representation on the jersey.

And it could be a really interesting color scheme/logo fest with the new team!

[LLM639]

Portland is also supposedly making an *official anouncement* of who their affiliation will be next year, real soon.

Blue leaf natural disaster... :lol: I always thought their farm team should be named the saplings.

In a goofy way, I would love to see a big foot, big something on the shoulders of the jerseys, but as I understand it, carolina will retain 51% of the operation (hence controlling interest) so the canes logo will probably stay on the jerseys. Nothing of the flames org is on the jerseys or on the pants now so whoever does go on there, will probably have no org representation on the jersey.

And it could be a really interesting color scheme/logo fest with the new team!

[AbNormal27]

And it could be a really interesting color scheme/logo fest with the new team!

Do my graphic designer's insctints smell an opportunity?

Aaryn

[AbNormal27]

And it could be a really interesting color scheme/logo fest with the new team!

Do my graphic designer's insctints smell an opportunity?

Aaryn

[AbNormal27]

And it could be a really interesting color scheme/logo fest with the new team!

Do my graphic designer's insctints smell an opportunity?

Aaryn

[apolinar]

The lowell Hurrivanche? The Avicanes? The hurravalicaneanches? Logo: a foot getting stuck in someone's eye?

[apolinar]

The lowell Hurrivanche? The Avicanes? The hurravalicaneanches? Logo: a foot getting stuck in someone's eye?

[apolinar]

The lowell Hurrivanche? The Avicanes? The hurravalicaneanches? Logo: a foot getting stuck in someone's eye?

[LLM639]

:laugh:

hurvilanche......

How about foot in someone's ass?

:lol:

[LLM639]

:laugh:

hurvilanche......

How about foot in someone's ass?

:lol:

[LLM639]

:laugh:

hurvilanche......

How about foot in someone's ass?

:lol:

[nccanes]

I haven't seen this anywhere else, but found this blurb in the article about the Everblades:


NOTE: Florida's parent organization, the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes, announced Tuesday they have renewed their affiliation agreement with the Lowell Lock Monsters of the American Hockey League (AHL) through the 2005-06 season. The Colorado Avalanche will also send their top prospects to Lowell as part of the one-year agreement.



Found it. Here's the AHL press release:

Jim Rutherford, President and General Manager of the National Hockey League Carolina Hurricanes, today announced that the team has renewed its affiliation agreement with the Lowell Lock Monsters of the American Hockey League (AHL) through the 2005-06 season.

The Colorado Avalanche will also send their top prospects to Lowell as part of the one-year agreement.

Next season will mark the fifth consecutive year that the Hurricanes have used Lowell as their top minor league affiliate. Carolina has shared the affiliation with the Calgary Flames for the past two seasons. The Calgary Flames will place their AHL affiliate in Omaha, Nebraska, for the 2005-06 season.

Colorado was previously affiliated with the Hershey Bears.

Carolina's prospects on the Lock Monsters roster this season include first-round picks Eric Staal (2003) and Cam Ward (2002). Staal led the team in scoring for 2004-05, and set new Lock Monsters franchise records in points (77) and assists (51) in a season. Staal also led the AHL in shorthanded goals (7) and plus/minus (+37). Ward was fourth in the AHL this season in goals-against average (1.99) and first in save percentage (.937). Ward was named to the AHL's 2004-05 All-Rookie team, and his goals-against average, save percentage and wins (26) totals set new Lowell single-season records.

Additional players in the Hurricanes' system include Lowell's top two all-time leading scorers, Mike Zigomanis (191 pts.) and Ryan Bayda (107 pts.).





Good call LLM! :D

[LLM639]

thank you thank you, no applause. :D

Could be interesting since the avs have been in Hershey and the only real prospects in Hershey are the goalies. Another interesting, no publicized chapter in monster history.

And nope, the monsters will still sport the canes uniforms with no avs colors, emblems, etc. on them. *sigh*

Should be an interesting summer.