Bruins extend their affiliation to the ECHL Atlanta Gladiators an extra two years, three Gladiators players going to Providence on PTO’s

The Atlanta Gladiator’s Head Coach and Head of Hockey Ops announced today that the Gladiators would be taking a two year extension on their affiliation deal with the Boston Bruins.

To the matter, their Head Coach had this to say:

"...The Gladiators are excited, and honored, to continue our relationship with the Bruins organization and remain committed to developing their prospects."

Sweeney and Co. shared the sentiment:

“Since entering into our partnership with the Gladiators two years ago, we have established a strong working relationship with the club. We have been impressed by the support system; led by their owner Mr. Jeffreys and their VP Joe Gelderman, along with the individual development attention that Head Coach Andy Brandt and his staff has shown each one of our players. We look forward to the continued success of the franchise and thank the Atlanta Gladiators ownership group and the Duluth community for their steadfast support.”

-Don Sweeney

Boston has given the team 10 prospects to develop, including goaltender Dan Vladar and on occasion Zane McIntyre for a conditioning stint.

Also announced, were three players going to Providence on PTO deals: Shane Bakkar, Garry Nunn, and Brock Higgs.

While it’s nice to have that particular organizational bit figured out, one can’t help but feel a little confused why, in the next year or so, the Worcester Railers HC (an awkward-ass name, I know) wouldn’t be a prime target for affiliation? ECHL affiliations usually go less than four years anyway and having the local guys be your first affiliate would be a good first step for a new team.

Ah well. If anything I wish Higgs, Nunn and Bakkar luck in Providence for their PTOs and let’s hope for this partnership to bear fruit for the organization and their prospects.