The ECHL’s Kalamazoo Wings have extended their affiliation with the Vancouver Canucks organization by two years, the club announced Tuesday.
The Wings became the Canucks’ ECHL affiliate prior to the 2023-24 season, marking the fourth time the two teams have been connected. Kalamazoo previously served as Vancouver’s ECHL affiliate from 1984 to 1987, 2011 to 2015, and again from 2017 to 2021.
The Canucks’ American Hockey League affiliate remains located in nearby Abbotsford, B.C. as the Abbotsford Canucks, with players able to move back and forth between the AHL and Kalamazoo as circumstances evolve throughout the season.
“We are thrilled to extend our affiliation with Kalamazoo,” Abbotsford general manager and Vancouver AGM Ryan Johnson said in a media release on Tuesday. “The working relationship we have established has given our organization depth and stability, while providing our prospects with great opportunities to develop. We look forward to continuing that relationship for the next two seasons.”
One Family ❤️@Canucks | @abbycanucks #flightignited @ECHL https://t.co/GVkfyyzx7W
— Kalamazoo Wings (@KalamazooWings) July 30, 2024
The Wings have also been affiliated with the Detroit Red Wings, Philadelphia Flyers, Minnesota North Stars, Dallas Stars, San Jose Sharks, New York Islanders, New Jersey Devils, St. Louis Blues, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Columbus Blue Jackets at various points during their 50-year history, but the Canucks have remained their most consistent partner.
Darren Archibald, Alexandre Grenier, and Yann Sauvé are among the players who have advanced from Kalamazoo to Vancouver through the Canucks’ on-and-off alliance with the Wings over the last four decades.
“We are excited to extend our relationship with the Vancouver Canucks and Abbotsford Canucks for the next two seasons,” Wings director of hockey operations and head coach Joel Martin said in a statement. “Our values and commitment to develop players in a winning environment are aligned.”
The Wings finished the 2023-24 ECHL season with a 38-30-4 record, enough to finish in the fourth and final playoff spot in the Central Division. Canucks prospects Josh Bloom and Ty Glover both spent time with Kalamazoo in 2023-24.
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