The St. Louis Blues have announced a one-year extension to their affiliation with the ECHL’s Tulsa Oilers. The two organizations worked without the benefit of an AHL partner last season, something that will be remedied this year with the agreement between St. Louis and the San Antonio Rampage for the 2018-19 season and beyond. Oilers’ Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Rob Murray spoke highly of his arrangement with St. Louis:
Having been affiliated with the Blues over the years in both Alaska and Tulsa, I have become very familiar and comfortable with the management team in St. Louis. The partnership got off to a great start last season, as the players we received from St. Louis were key to our success. We’re excited to continue into next season, especially as the Blues begin their AHL affiliation in San Antonio.
Similarly, the New York Islanders have announced an extension with the Worcester Railers through the 2019-20 season. The Railers played their first season in the ECHL last year, going 37-27-8 while qualifying for the Kelly Cup playoffs. Unfortunately knocked out by the Adirondack Thunder in the first round, Worcester will come back with more Islanders prospects next year and try to continue the good start to their franchise.