Cincinnati, OH - The Cincinnati Cyclones announced this afternoon that they will be the ECHL affiliate for both the Montreal Canadiens (NHL) and Hamilton Bulldogs (AHL) for the 2008-09 season. These teams join Nashville (NHL) and Milwaukee (AHL) as affiliates of the Cyclones.
Forming in 1909, the Montreal Canadiens are the oldest established National Hockey League franchise, and one of the most successful clubs in all of North American sports history. Based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, the Canadiens are one of the NHL's 'Original Six' franchises, along with the Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, New York Rangers, and Toronto Maple Leafs. In their near-century of existence, the team has won twenty-four Stanley Cups, the most championships won by any team in the NHL. Otherwise known as the Flying Frenchmen, Montreal strives to live by their motto, "to you from failing hands we throw the torch. Be yours to hold it high," which is an excerpt from a poem describing the fighting in World War I. The Canadiens have publicized ambitious plans for the Centennial year of 2008-09, including the hosting of the NHL All-Star Game.
Based out of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, the Hamilton Bulldogs are an American Hockey League franchise, which moved in 1996 and affiliated with Montreal in 2003-04. The Bulldogs, who won the AHL's Calder Cup in 2007, utilized seven players who played with the Cyclones during their championship run. Hamilton is currently the AHL team affiliate for the Montreal Canadiens.
"We are pleased to renew our affiliation with the Cincinnati Cyclones," Julien Brisebois, Vice-President/Hockey Operations for the Canadiens, said. "We are very happy with the development of our prospects under Chuck Weber and Dean Stork. Our players have benefited from playing in a winning environment and we hope this affiliation will benefit both organizations for years to come."
Cincinnati's partnership with the Canadiens dates back further than just last season. During the 1950's, the Canadiens were affiliated with the Cincinnati Mohawks, as the club won five straight Turner Cups in the International Hockey League (IHL). The Cyclones were members of the IHL for nine seasons (1992-2001).
"The Montreal Canadiens are one of the most storied franchises in all of sport," Cyclones Head Coach Chuck Weber said. "They have been excellent to work with and have provided us with players that helped us win the Kelly Cup championship this summer. Being affiliated with Hamilton has driven our players to want to quickly develop to be part of their future. We are proud to be connected with both franchises."
