The Los Angeles Kings Have A New AHL Affiliate
The Los Angeles Kings have a new American Hockey League affiliate.
Earlier today the AHL’s President and CEO David Andrews announced on theAHL.com that the AHL’s Board of Governors unanimously approved the creation of a Pacific Division.
Los Angeles Kings
The decision will take effect for the 2015-2016 season. Part of the division’s creation is a move that will send the Kings current AHL affiliate team, the Manchester Monarchs, to Ontario, California.
Ontario is presently home to an East Coast Hockey League team known as the Ontario Reign. The Reign will retain their name. All Kings prospects on the Manchester Monarchs team will get new uniforms to match the changes.
It’s a great news for California hockey, which is home to some of the NHL’s power-house teams.
“This is wonderful growth opportunity for the game of hockey in the Western region and it will have a tremendous impact for years to come,” said Los Angeles Kings President of Business Operations Luc Robitaille.
For the Kings it’s a great move, cutting down time and distance for the Hockey Operations division. Scouts and personnel like Kings President and General Manager Dean Lombardi will be able to keep a closer eye on Kings prospects.
An added benefit involve Kings call-up. Players that need to be added to the NHL roster on short notice will be on the same coast, cutting down on time of travel and wear and tear to the players.
Fans will be able to take an hour ride East to see some of the Kings future stars!
The Reign are currently 2nd in the Pacific Division and 3rd in the Western Conference of the ECHL. Ontario is 25-11-2 in 42 games this season.
Check out the Ontario Reign on the website, OntarioReign.com.