Summer in the American Hockey League has witnessed more than its fair share of affiliation swaps, franchise moves and revolutions of the coaching carousel. Better pull out all your fingers and toes to keep track of things, ‘cause this could get complicated.


Bridgeport Sound Tigers – After guiding the Sound Tigers to a 37-38-4-1 record in 2004-05, head coach Greg Cronin left to take over the duties at Northeastern University, where he will be aided by former Griffins assistant coach Gene Reilly. The Tigers’ vacancy has been filled by Dave Baseggio, their former assistant who was a defenseman on the Griffins’ 1999-2000 squad.

Cincinnati Mighty Ducks – Cincinnati’s affiliation with the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim came to an end with the conclusion of the 2004-05 season. Anaheim subsequently paired with the Portland Pirates, prompting Cincinnati to voluntarily suspend for the 2005-06 season. The franchise expects to resurface in 2006-07 with a new nickname.

Edmonton Road Runners – The Road Runners, primary affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers, applied to voluntarily suspend operations for the 2005-06 season, a move made in large part in anticipation of the NHL resuming play. The Road Runners, who had made a previous one-year stop in Toronto (2003-04), averaged 8,853 in attendance last season, ranking third in the AHL.

Hartford Wolf Pack – Despite leading the Wolf Pack to a franchise-record 50 wins in 2004-05 and a three-year winning percentage of 0.613, head coach Ryan McGill is out of a job. His contract was not renewed after Hartford, second place in the Atlantic Division (50-24-3-3, 106 pts.), dropped its division semifinal series to Lowell in six games. Wolf Pack GM Jim Schoenfeld was named the team’s new coach, lending his 10 years of experience as an NHL bench boss to the club.

Hershey Bears – The Bears have a new parent club in the Washington Capitals, ending a nine-year partnership with the Colorado Avalanche. Hershey, which welcomes new head coach Bruce Boudreau following the dismissal of Paul Fixter and assistant Paul Jerrard, previously served as the Caps’ top affiliate from 1977-84.

Lowell Lock Monsters – Amid the musical chairs taking place with affiliations, Lowell has re-upped for another year with the Carolina Hurricanes while cementing a new relationship with Colorado. Carolina had shared its Lowell affiliation with the Calgary Flames for the past two seasons, but the Flames will now send their prospects to the Omaha Ak-Sar-Ben Knights.

Manchester Monarchs – With a goal of teaching their “young players how to win when the stakes are highest,” the Monarchs in mid-June relieved head coach Bruce Boudreau and assistants Jim Hughes and Dane Jackson of their duties. Manchester, which won the Atlantic Division with a 51-21-4-4 record and finished second in the AHL with 110 points, was upset 4-2 by Providence in the division semifinals. Despite boasting an all-time winning percentage of 0.608 and finishing first or second in their division in each of their four seasons, the Monarchs have never won a playoff series.

Milwaukee Admirals – The sale of the Milwaukee Admirals was unanimously approved by the AHL Board of Governors. The Admirals were bought by a group of investors led by 39-year-old Harris Turer, president of Milwaukee’s Hometown Property Management, Inc.

Philadelphia Phantoms – A sweep of the Chicago Wolves brought the Calder Cup back to the City of Brotherly Love, where it had last resided in 1998. Just days after capturing the grail, the Phantoms extended the contracts of head coach John Stevens and assistant coaches Kjell Samuelsson and Craig Berube through the 2005-06 campaign.

Portland Pirates – A new era begins for the Pirates this season, as May ushered in a five-year affiliation agreement with the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. Portland’s prior 12-year relationship with Washington commenced with the franchise’s move from Baltimore in 1993. The Pirates also have a new head coach in longtime NHLer Kevin Dineen, as Tim Army left to assume the reins at Providence College.

San Antonio Rampage – The San Antonio Spurs purchased the Florida Panthers’ portion of the Rampage, who subsequently entered into a multi-year affiliation agreement with the Phoenix Coyotes. Pat Conacher, who tutored many of the Coyotes’ prospects in Utah last season, was named San Antonio’s new head coach.

St. John’s Maple Leafs – The St. John’s franchise no longer exists after a 14-year partnership with the Toronto Maple Leafs, who will now watch their prospects play in their backyard as the Toronto Marlies.

Utah Grizzlies – Following a dreadful season, Grizzlies fans at least have the thrill of change to look forward to as they approach 2005-06. Utah has dropped out of the AHL to join the ECHL, leaving the Phoenix Coyotes to look for a new affiliate.

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins – After compiling a 73-55-17-15 record in his first two seasons behind the bench, head coach Michel Therrien was rewarded with a two-year contract extension.

Worcester IceCats – The IceCats’ 11-year run in Massachusetts is over, as the St. Louis Blues’ AHL prospects will take to the ice this fall as the Peoria Rivermen.