PORTLAND, Maine (AP) – The Portland Pirates have signed a four-year contract to become a National Hockey League affiliate of the Florida Panthers.
The American Hockey League club announced Wednesday that it’s partnering with the Panthers after its fourth and final season as an affiliate of the Arizona Coyotes.
The Panthers were previously affiliated with San Antonio. Eric Joyce, general manager of the San Antonio Rampage, will serve as the new GM for the Portland Pirates.
Portland was a Washington Capitals affiliate for 12 seasons beginning in 1993 and won the Calder Cup championship. Since the Capitals left Maine, the Pirates have been affiliated with Anaheim and Buffalo, in addition to the Coyotes.
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