Chicago Blackhawks Name New ECHL Affiliate

The Chicago Blackhawks have announced that the Fresno Falcons will be their new ECHL affiliate, replacing the Pensacola Ice Pilots.

From Chicago Blackhawks.com:

The Falcons have played in the ECHL since 2003 under an NHL affiliation agreement with the San Jose Sharks, compiling a .565 regular-season winning percentage (181-134-45), while reaching the postseason each of the last three years

"We are very excited about affiliating with the Fresno Falcons for the upcoming 2008-09 season," said Blackhawks General Manager of Minor League Affiliates Mark Bernard. "We are happy to have head coach Matt Thomas working with the young Chicago Blackhawks prospects and we know that he'll do a terrific job in helping along their development."

This will allow us west coast Blackhawks fans to see Blackhawks prospects and cheer for their beloved team without actually having to be in an NHL city. I myself reside in Salt Lake City, Utah, so I will be able to go see the Utah Grizzlies play Fresno.  Needless to say, I am elated for this new affiliation.

One name that I would expect to be on the Falcons next season would be Joseph Fallon, a goaltender from the University of Vermont. Fallon was 48-38 in three seasons with Vermont. Fallon was drafted with the 167th pick in the sixth round of the 2005 NHL draft.

Another face that you might get to see in a Fresno Falcons jersey is Mike Brennan, the former captain for Boston College, who posted 69 points in four seasons with the Eagles. Brennan recently led Boston College to the national championship, and just days after that was signed by the Chicago Blackhawks.

For those of us that don't live in the Chicago-land area or near an NHL city, this is just another reason to get excited about the Chicago Blackhawks.

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