Submitted. The Calgary Flames announced today that they will discontinue their American Hockey League operations in the City of Abbotsford at the conclusion of the 2013-14 AHL season.
“In 2010 we came to Abbotsford with our AHL affiliate at the behest of the City Administration of the day,” said Flames President & CEO Ken King. “Our aims were simple, to establish a home in the American Hockey League where we could develop our younger players in a strong community environment. The economics did not turn out the way any of us intended, despite the tremendous efforts of many men and women who made it their mission to convert the allegiances of local hockey fans, at least at the American Hockey League level, to the Heat. Notwithstanding economics our experiences in the Fraser Valley have been good. We have made good friends, have wonderful local partners and believe that our players have been served well in this market. Unfortunately the time has come for us to move on.”
The Flames place a strong emphasis on their player development program and have a plan in place regarding their AHL franchise for the 2014-15 season. While several opportunities exist for the Flames development program, an announcement on the ultimate location of their AHL franchise will be made in due course.