This will be the first year in the ECHL for the Eagles, though they have been associated with the CHL (Central Hockey League) for their first eight seasons, starting in 2003, though the team was founded in 2002. They recorded the highest cumulative regular season winning percentage of any professional team in North America (.715). They have made the CHL League Finals a record breaking five times in those eight seasons, winning twice in 2005 and 2007. They have been crowned the CHL Regular Season Champions three times (2004-05, 2005-06, 2007-08) and have earned the Franchise of the Year Award twice (2004-05, 2007-08). They are currently coached by Chris Stewart and former Manitoba Moose forward Greg Pankewicz.
The Eagles said in a statement:
"We're very excited about this affiliation and about being a part of the development of outstanding young players who are on their way to the highest level of our sport," said Colorado Eagles president & general manager Chris Stewart. "We feel this relationship will be mutually beneficial for all parties involved. We'll be able to help in the development of some NHL's draft choices, and the Jets and IceCaps will be able to send their prospects to a professional environment."
The Jets are equally happy about the prospect of development.
Craig Heisinger, Senior Vice President & Director of Hockey Operations/Assistant General Manager of the Winnipeg Jets said, "Player development is one of the most important elements for long term success for an organization and we know Colorado will provide a great opportunity for some of our young players to gain valuable experience and new skills. As the Winnipeg Jets inaugural season approaches, we really look forward to a great first-year with the Eagles organization.”
Besides the achievements on the ice, this stat stands out to me: The Eagles hold the record for most sellouts in minor league pro-hockey for consecutive sellouts. Currently, they have sold out 311 games. This includes the playoffs.
That playoff part may sound like a gimme, but trust me its not. Minor league hockey is a big deal in areas where there is no closeby big league action, but the Eagles play in Windsor Colorado which is just outside of Fort Collins, a bit north of Denver. And for a minor league team to get people to the building, the front office has to work pretty hard for a long time. And that's with a full, six month schedule in front of them. It's often hard to get folks to come out to a minor league event, so image trying it on such short notice as the playoff schedule lends itself too.
This would include weekday games too. And conflicts with Avalanche games. Kudos Eagles. Job well done putting butts in the seats. The Eagles play at the Budweiser Events Center whose capacity is 5,289. Not the biggest arena ever, but certainly not too shabby.
It seems like the Jets have positioned themselves with a good ECHL affiliate. One that knows how to win and develop players. The Ice Caps are owned by True North, same ownership as the Jets, and they were successful as the Moose before the Jets came to town.
This season will not be without its troubles, but they have a good starting point and aren't building totally from scratch on many levels. The Thrashers were actually starting to develop talent before the move, so that's there. The owners were successful owners of an AHL team before. The fans in the area are primed for NHL hockey. The ECHL affiliate is established and has a championship record. A .715 winning percentage is just damn impressive in the minors with all the roster shifting that happens throughout the season and year to year.
The Jets are set to have a breakout year very soon. That will be exciting. Too bad me and the pretty girl will be just friends!
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