New SF Hockey Club Serve As Minor League Sharks Team
SAN JOSE (KCBS) – The San Jose Sharks have signed an affiliation agreement with the expansion San Francisco Bulls of the East Coast Hockey League for the 2012-13 season.
Meanwhile, the Worcester Sharks will continue to serve as San Jose's American Hockey League affiliate.
Sharks Vice President and Assistant General Manager Wayne Thomas said the move will be great for both organizations.
"We are very excited to add the San Francisco Bulls as our ECHL development affiliate," said Thomas. "Our organizations share the same passion to put a strong, competitive product on the ice, as well as being an active member in our shared Bay Area communities. Having our prospects develop in close proximity to our club in San Jose while playing for a first-class organization will serve them well moving forward in their professional careers."
The 2012-2013 season is the inaugural campaign for the Bulls. The team will play its home games at the Cow Palace. The Sharks played their first two seasons (1991-92 and 1992-93) at the Cow Palace before moving to their current location in San Jose.
"Today is a landmark day in SF Bulls franchise history," said Bulls President and Head Coach Pat Curcio on the team's website. "To become affiliated with the San Jose Sharks is a goal we've had since we founded the franchise last year. We look forward to developing young prospects in the San Jose Sharks system that will ultimately make an impact in the AHL and NHL in the near future. Our ultimate goal is to help the Sharks win a championship."
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