Now I have a reason to hate the Anchorage Aces:

[Cross Traffic]

Affiliating with the St. Louis Blues! :twisted:

Aces Announce Affiliations With
St. Louis Blues, Peoria Rivermen
July 7, 2005

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – The Alaska Aces on Thursday announced that they have reached an affiliation agreement with the St. Louis Blues of the National Hockey League and the Peoria Rivermen of the American Hockey League. It marks the first time in team history that the Aces have entered into an affiliation with NHL and AHL clubs.

Representing the Blues at the announcement in Alaska were legendary former Blues player Bob Plager and former NHL player and head coach and current Blues professional scout Bob Berry.

“Our relationship with the Alaska Aces dates back to 2001 when they hosted the Blues preseason training camp. The fans and the entire city of Anchorage treated us extremely well,” said St. Louis senior vice president and general manager Larry Pleau. “We look forward to adding the team’s outstanding ownership and strong hockey atmosphere into the fold through this ECHL affiliation. The Aces will become an important part of our overall player development process.”

“I believe that this is one more step in our progression towards being one of the top developmental teams in our league,” said Alaska head coach Davis Payne. “This vote of confidence from the St. Louis Blues and the Peoria Rivermen further substantiates the direction and quality of what we’ve tried to achieve over the past couple of years, both in the environment provided for the players here in Alaska and in the opportunity for advancement through our organization.