(via the Stingrays)
The Boston Bruins announced their new ECHL affiliate today: the Gwinnett Gladiators. For the previous three seasons, the Bruins and their AHL affiliate in Providence have provided the Stingrays with talented skaters. This past year, Wayne Simpson, a Providence signee, broke the playoff scoring record for the ECHL during the Stingrays Kelly Cup run. He also played 4 games with Providence last season.
Gwinnett finished last in the East Division in 2014-2015 with a 20-45-3-4 (W-L-OTL-SOL) record and a minus-89 goal differential. Bruins GM Don Sweeney said in the Bruins press release that the new affiliation “will provide a tremendous opportunity for our young players to continue to grow and help them to reach their full potential as professional hockey players.”
Gwinnett had previous affiliations with the Atlanta Thrashers (2003-2011), Chicago Blackhawks (2008-2009), Columbus Blue Jackets (2009-2010), Phoenix/Arizona Coyotes (2011-2015) and the Buffalo Sabres (2011-2012).
The South Carolina Stingrays will, for now, remain an affiliate of the Washington Capitals.
