The Brampton Beast Announce the Montreal Canadiens as their NHL Affiliate
Montreal Canadiens PRESS RELEASE
BRAMPTON — The Brampton Beast, proud members of the ECHL, are excited to announce the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League and St. John’s Ice Caps of the American Hockey League as their NHL and AHL affiliates.
The Beast, who will be entering their third year of operations in the fall, were without a major league affiliate in their inaugural ECHL season, and finding the right partner was a major priority for the team this summer.
“Montreal is the most iconic franchise in the NHL,” said Beast President and General Manager Cary Kaplan. “They have also shown a virtually unparalleled commitment to development from within. We are confident that partnering with Montreal and St John’s will be instrumental to our own on-ice success, and will also add another level of credibility to the Beast brand.”
The announcement came in front of an energetic crowd including Mayor Linda Jeffrey at Brampton City Hall in what was billed as one of the most significant moments in Brampton sports history. The event included a laser show, video message from Canadiens General Manager Marc Bergevin, and was attended by Hockey Operations staff from both organizations including Ice Caps Assistant GM Vincent Riendeau, Ice Caps Head Coach Sylvain Lefevbre and Beast Head Coach Colin Chaulk.
“On behalf of the Canadiens organization and our hockey operations department, we want to thank the Brampton Beast organization and the population of Brampton for making this partnership possible,” said Montreal Canadiens General Manager Marc Bergevin. “A number of past and current Montreal Canadiens players began their professional careers in the ECHL. Starting in 2015-16 we look forward to having some of our prospects begin their journey to the NHL in Brampton. Thank you and have a great season.”
The Montreal Canadiens, along with the Pittsburgh Penguins, were one of two NHL teams affiliated with the ECHL’s Wheeling Nailers last season, although midway through the year the Canadiens also began an agreement with the Beast by sending them 2012 second-round daft pick Dalton Thrower. The Nailers have since confirmed the renewal of their longstanding agreement with the Pittsburgh Penguins for 2015-2016, the 16th consecutive year of their affiliation, while the Beast will be the sole ECHL partner of the Canadiens.
The Beast will begin their season along with the next generation of Canadiens and Ice Caps players on Friday, October 16th against the Manchester Monarchs. The Beast kick off their home opener the following week on Friday, October 23 at 7:15 pm, when they play host to the Adirondack Thunder at the Powerade Centre. Season tickets are available for less than $11 a game, a savings of nearly 50% from walk-up pricing. To order, or for more information, call 905-564-1684.