In a bit of news missed by me the other day, the Devils announced on Thursday that they have renewed their relationship with the Adirondack Thunder of the ECHL.
According to the Devils’ press release, “2019-20 will be the third season that the Devils and the Thunder have had an official partnership.” The term “official partnership” eludes to the fact that the teams had an “informal agreement” in 2015-16 and 2016-17 when Adirondack was officially a Calgary affiliate.
The press release included some quotes from key people, including Thunder Governor Ed Moore: “(o)ur relationship is great and now that we are entering year three, we believe that it will only get stronger. With the additions and improvements that New Jersey made this offseason, we are excited to see what this year has in store for the entire organization.”
Devils assistant general manager and GM of the Binghamton Devils also added: “(g)iving players consistent ice time and exposure in all situations at the ECHL (l)evel will help them develop throughout all levels of the New Jersey Devils organization and its affiliates. We are excited to work together with the management, players and coaches for our third consecutive season in Adirondack.”
The Thunder kick off their ECHL season in Portland, Maine when they take on the Maine Mariners (the Rangers’ ECHL affiliate) on October 11. They start their home schedule in Glens Falls, New York against the Worcester Railers on October 19 at Cool Insuring Arena.