The Elmira Jackals (ECHL) have added a second NHL affiliate in the New Jersey Devils, joining the Ottawa Senators as Jackals affiliates for the 2013-14 season.
“We are extremely happy to partner with the New Jersey Devils and Albany Devils as affiliates. The entire Devils organization has a first-class reputation for success on and off the ice, and we will work extremely hard to give their prospects the proper environment to develop and advance their careers,” said Jackals owner and president Nate Cook.
The 2013-14 season will be the first for the Jackals and Devils as affiliates. Elmira did, however, receive goaltender Maxime Clermont on reassignment from New Jersey during the 2012-13 season. New Jersey has won the Stanley Cup in 1995, 2000, and 2003, and also advanced to the Stanley Cup finals in 2001 and 2012. The Devils have reached the playoffs in 21 of 25 years since moving to New Jersey from Denver, Colorado in 1982. The Albany Devils were founded in 2010 after the Albany River Rats relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina. It is the second time Albany has housed the Devils’ AHL affiliate after the River Rats served in that capacity from 1993 to 2006.
“The Devils organization is excited to enter into a formal affiliation with the Elmira Jackals and congratulate their new ownership group led by Tom Freeman and Nate Cook,” said New Jersey Devils Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations and Albany General Manager Chris Lamoriello. “I look forward to again working with Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Dwight Mullins. I know under his leadership, the Jackals not only will be competing for a championship, but also developing players for future success in the game.”
