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Avs continue affiliation with ECHL Chiefs

Rocky Mountain News

Published August 18, 2008 at 10:19 a.m.
Updated August 18, 2008 at 10:19 a.m.

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The Avalanche will continue its affiliation this season with the Johnstown Chiefs of the East Coast Hockey League, the minor league franchise announced Monday.

It will be the second year of the agreement between the Chiefs and Avs, who also will continue their relationship with the Lake Erie Monsters of the the American Hockey League.

Last season, the Avs and Monsters sent 11 players to the Chiefs, including JD Corbin, Rob Drummond, former second-round draft pick (No. 59 overall) Codey Burki, Kenny Roche, Brandon Straub, Ray Macias, Wes O’Neill, Vladimir Denisov, Mitch Love, Andrew Penner and former first-round draft pick (No. 26 overall) Jason Bacashihua.

Second-year Chiefs coach Ian Herbers said he is "excited" about working with the Avalanche.

“They are one of the best organizations in the NHL. They have a history of developing players and winning championship," Herbers said. “Last season I feel the affiliation was beneficial to both parties. We received quality players and people, who in turn had an opportunity to develop and gain experience to further their hockey careers and help the Avalanche organization."

Thanks in part to the players sent to them by Colorado and Lake Erie, the Chiefs flourished over the final months of the 2007-08 season, compiling a 25-12-5 record from January to April and moving from last to fourth place in the North Division. The Chiefs reached the postseason and swept their quarterfinal series against Dayton before losing in the division semifinals to eventual Kelly Cup champion Cincinnati.