The AHL on Thursday formally announced that its BOG approved the creation of a Pacific Division, beginning play in the ‘15-16 season. The new division will see the affiliates of five NHL teams -- the Ducks, Flames, Oilers, Kings and Sharks -- relocated to California, in what has been a nearly three-year process. As part of the relocation, the Ducks will purchase the AHL Norfolk Admirals from Ken Young and Tides Baseball LP. The other teams are already owned by their parent clubs. AHL President Dave Andrews was joined at a press conference by NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly, Ducks CEO Michael Schulman, Flames GM Brad Treliving, Oilers President of Hockey Operations & Vice Chair Kevin Lowe, Kings President of Business Operations Luc Robitaille and Sharks COO John Tortora. Further details on the teams, including new names and colors, will be announced at later dates. It is expected that some of the current ECHL teams located in these cities may also be relocated as well (Ian Thomas, Staff Writer).
WEST COAST, BEST COAST: In L.A., Lance Pugmire writes there are certainly "some financial savings at play" with moving AHL teams to the West Coast. But Kings and Ducks execs, whose affiliates are moving to Ontario, Calif., and San Diego, respectively, said that the "greatest benefit" of the AHL's new division "is convenience." Schulman: "It's not a money thing. The players will be better equipped, less tired. You save money because you'll have a better product on the ice." Pugmire notes Valley View Casino Center in San Diego "is an AEG-operated property that the Ducks already have invested in to upgrade dressing rooms and new boards." Schulman said that the Ducks "'will put a fair amount of money in' with AEG to upgrade seats and add suites." Pugmire notes there is potential for the Ducks "marketing-wise," as well. The team will host a San Diego "Hockey-Fest" on Feb. 22 at the arena, "free to the public." Schulman: "We hope people will be Ducks fans from the Mexican border to Los Angeles." Ducks Exec VP & GM Bob Murray said that a new practice facility in Poway, Calif., "is being pursued in an existing building" (L.A. TIMES, 1/30). YAHOO SPORTS' Josh Cooper wrote a move like this "doesn’t occur if there isn’t some competitive help towards the NHL teams, or if it doesn't add a level of cost efficiency." Cooper: "Good for the AHL. Good for hockey in California. Good for the NHL. Smart move" (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 1/29).
