Virginian-Pilot: Lightning Affiliate Bolting for Syracuse

[BP Staff]

A report from the Virginian-Pilot today confirms the rumor that has been floating around for months -- the Lightning are moving their AHL affiliate to Syracuse, New York.

"A Tampa Bay official has confirmed that the club is moving its American Hockey League affiliation from the Admirals to Syracuse, N.Y.," the report said.

"Admirals’ owner Ken Young said he believes he is close to an agreement to replace the Lightning with the Anaheim Ducks. Young added that he is hopeful of a deal that would span five seasons, as did that with Tampa Bay."

Norfolk fans watched as the 2011-2012 Calder Cup Champions banner was raised at Scope Arena yesterday. All Lightning prospects, coaches, and AHL contracts such as Philip-Michael Devos will move with the team to Syracuse.

The Crunch are scheduled to unveil new jerseys at their home opener on October 13. The jersey which will feature a re-designed logo and colors.

For more information, see the Virginian-Pilot by clicking here. The Lightning have not officially announced the affiliation change.



http://www.boltprospects.com/content...lting-syracuse

[timothy]

And here is the Media Advisory from the Admirals:

Media Advisory: Admirals Statement on NHL Affiliation



NORFOLK, Va. – The Norfolk Admirals are aware of reports that the Tampa Bay Lightning have signed an affiliation agreement with the Syracuse Crunch. However, there will still be AHL hockey at Scope next season. We anticipate announcing an affiliation agreement with a National Hockey League partner in the near future. Thank you for your support of the Admirals.

[Avery86]

I'm not so secretly hoping the new logo nixes the .. er .. yeti ..? thing. Hell, I'd even like for the name to change.

[Sotnos]

Originally Posted by Avery86

I'm not so secretly hoping the new logo nixes the .. er .. yeti ..? thing. Hell, I'd even like for the name to change.

Everything about that logo screams MINOR LEAGUE. I know it is a minor league team but it's just awful.

[Alex]

It'd be nice if they changed the official name to the "Bolts" or something similar to the parent club.

[ChaseSpace]

Someone on HFB said "Syracuse Static" should be their new name. I like that one

[Jacko]

I would prefer Syracuse Thunder