Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
West Valley City, Utah - Utah Grizzlies Head Coach and General Manager Tim Branham recently announced that the team has reached an affiliation agreement with the NHL's Anaheim Ducks.
"Anaheim is an organization that shares our level of commitment to success and we look forward to working together to further develop our players on and off the ice," said Grizzlies Head Coach/General Manager Tim Branham. "The Ducks have a deep tradition of success and a proven track record of identifying and developing young talent."
The Grizzlies will serve as the ECHL "AA" affiliate of the Ducks and will also work with their AHL affiliate the Norfolk Admirals.
"We are excited to reach an affiliation agreement with the Utah Grizzlies," said Ducks Executive Vice President/General Manager Bob Murray. "The Grizzlies have placed an emphasis on player development and their proximity to Anaheim is ideal for our organization."
Branham played for Norfolk Admirals Assistant General Manager Bob Ferguson, when he was Head Coach of the Augusta Lynx in 2007-2008.
"One of Tim's top priorities upon taking over as Head Coach/GM here, was securing a solid and mutually beneficial NHL affiliation," said Grizzlies CEO Kevin Bruder. "Our organization is very excited to work with the Ducks and we thank the Calgary Flames for their partnership the last four years."
The Grizzlies open the regular season Friday, October 18 against Idaho at Maverik Center at 7:05 p.m.
