Vancouver Canucks relocating AHL franchise to Abbotsford

The Vancouver Canucks will be relocating their AHL team to Abbotsford.

In a statement Tuesday night, the team said the AHL affiliate will play out of the Abbotsford Centre.

“With momentum starting to build, we are pleased to confirm our goal to bring our AHL franchise and Canucks prospects home to the City of Abbotsford,” said Francesco Aquilini, chairman of Canucks Sports & Entertainment in a statement. “The move would bring significant opportunities for both our team and the community and it would begin a new chapter, bringing Canucks hockey to even more fans throughout the Lower Mainland.”

The club would play out of the AHL’s Pacific Division and will feature a new name, a new brand, and a new logo. Details of the partnership are still being finalized and the relocation from Utica is subject to approval from the AHL’s Board of Governors on May 6.

“We are extremely grateful for the outstanding partnership and working relationship we’ve had with Robert Esche and the entire Utica Comets family,” continued Aquilini. “Since 2013, we have worked closely to create a first-class hockey environment for our players and Utica’s great fans. Utica has one of the best, most energetic hockey environments in North America. We wish Robert, his staff and the incredible Comets fans nothing but success in the future.”