Phoenix RoadRunners Sign Affiliation Agreement With San Jose Sharks, Will be ECHL Rep for Next Two Years

MLN Newswire - www.mlntherawfeed.com –

PHOENIX, Ariz. – The Phoenix RoadRunners of the ECHL have signed a two-year affiliation agreement with the San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League and the Worcester Sharks of the American Hockey League beginning for the upcoming 2007-08 season. 

“We are thrilled about entering into this affiliation with San Jose and Worcester,” said RoadRunners’ Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Brad Church.  “Both are first class organizations in their respective leagues, and we look forward to what should be a tremendous partnership.”  Church continued, “It also offers a great opportunity to showcase our players here in Phoenix and help them potentially advance on in their hockey careers.”

The RoadRunners will work closely with both San Jose and Worcester in player development, and could receive both AHL and NHL prospects over the course of the season.

“We are pleased to add the RoadRunners as our development affiliate,” said San Jose Sharks Vice President and Assistant General Manager Wayne Thomas.  “Phoenix has a long-standing tradition of excellence in its market – on and off the ice – and we look forward to their assistance in the development of Sharks prospects.  Brad Church played in the Sharks organization and brings the same competitiveness and preparation as a coach as he did as a player.”

The San Jose Sharks have been a member of the National Hockey League since 1991, and have twice been crowned as Pacific Division Champions in 2001-02 and in 2003-04.  The Worcester Sharks are in their second year of existence since relocating from Cleveland prior to the 2006-07 season, and have been affiliated with San Jose since 2001. 

The Phoenix RoadRunners have been a member of the ECHL, the Premier “AA” Hockey League, since 2005.  Center Daniel Winnik became the first RoadRunners’ ECHL player to advance to the NHL when he debuted for the Phoenix Coyotes on Oct. 4, 2007.