The Vancouver Canucks have finalized an agreement with the City of Abbotsford, B.C., to relocate their American Hockey League team closer to home starting next season.
The move comes after the Canucks launched a ticket drive earlier this year and the team says "thousands of fans" have already made deposits for tickets next season.
"On behalf of Council and the residents of Abbotsford, I'm pleased to officially welcome the Vancouver Canucks' American Hockey League affiliate team to Abbotsford," said Abbotsford mayor Henry Braun in a statement. "This new partnership fosters strong ongoing community connections and economic benefits for years to come. We're grateful to Francesco, the Aquilini family and the Canucks for their work in making this agreement a reality and for helping to solidify Abbotsford as a leader for events, entertainment and sport in the Fraser Valley."
The move will bring the Canucks top prospects closer to home. The team's previous AHL team, the Utica Comets, was based in mid-west New York and required a nine-hour cross-border flight. Now players shuttling between the NHL and AHL will only need to make a one-hour drive.
The Canucks say information about the new team's name, logo and uniforms will be announced at a later date. The team will play in the AHL's Pacific Division with the San Diego Gulls (ANA), Ontario Reign (LAK), Tucson Roadrunners (AZ), Colorado Eagles (COL), San Jose Barracuda (SJ), Stockton Heat (CGY), Henderson Silver Knights (VGK) and Bakersfield Condors (EDM).
"We're thrilled to finalize our partnership with the City of Abbotsford and can't wait to bring the AHL and our Canucks prospects home to the Fraser Valley," said Canucks chairman Francesco Aquilini in a statement. "Thank you to Mayor Braun and his staff for their collaboration and commitment. Our partnership will have a positive impact in the local community, and we look forward to building important local relationships with fans in the weeks and months ahead."
