Thread: Canuck co-affliation ? really

Rumor........

Makes sense as the Nucks lost their echl affiliate and the Reign get little help from the Kings. BUT the Canucks ?

Dual-affiliation talks continue. - Where the Reign reigns

Kings may not be happy about "sharing", but who have they assigned to Ontario lately? Most ECHL teams get 4-6 players assigned from the big club each season...have the Kings sent that many in 3 years?

I like how they specifically asked not to respond to any Duck inquiries. Like the ECHL market really cares about NHL rivalries, especially when the season ticket holders are split with Kings and Ducks fans.

Originally Posted by Dexter

I like how they specifically asked not to respond to any Duck inquiries. Like the ECHL market really cares about NHL rivalries, especially when the season ticket holders are split with Kings and Ducks fans.

The Reign was first and foremost a Kings affiliate, even if there are duck fans attending the games the outrage would be significant from the fans.

Originally Posted by Blueline

The Reign was first and foremost a Kings affiliate, even if there are duck fans attending the games the outrage would be significant from the fans.

That would be an interesting move and would divide the fan base and drive some away. reign Management know that would open up a can of worms they have no desire to deal with. Thats just from me imagine everyone else complaining about

Maybe it's because it's a different market, but I haven't seen any fan issues with Reading having a dual affiliation. The only place I've thought an affiliation really hurt a team was in Trenton and that had a lot to do with them changing the entire identity of the team when they came in. They took all the local identity from the team and put the Devils name on a team situated in Flyers territory. Not too smart. If all the Canucks would be doing is assigning a player or two, it won't change much from the fan perspective, but will help the team with salary issues.

I'd think it would be more understandable if the Kings had a lot of players that ended up playing in the ECHL. Considering that number has been low over the past couple of years I don't see it as a big deal unless it cuts into the ice time that a goaltender would get like J.F. Berube.

Another consideration is that the Reign doesn't draw guys who are AHL-ECHL tweeners looking for a call-up. As much at the revolving door of call-ups pisses us off here in Reading, it does mean we are able to draw more talented players. Since Ontario doesn't have that draw, maybe a second affiliate would help bring in a little better talent.