Rumor: Flames moving AHL affiliate to Utica NY

[sureLoss]

don't know how good his information is but Joe Yerdon has tweeted the following:

Joe Yerdon ‏@JoeYerdonPHT Old AHL haunts coming back into vogue? Rumblings out there over Flames moving from Abbotsford to Utica.


Joe Yerdon ‏@JoeYerdonPHT
But if the Flames do move from Abby to Utica, the Canucks would almost certainly go from Chicago to Abby.


He writes for http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/

This guy reports it as done:
http://www.uticaod.com/blogs/x114597...13-2014-Season

No longer rumor, but fact - professional hockey will once again be on display in New York's Mohawk Valley. An American Hockey League affiliate will be in operation for the 2013-2014 season. The Calgary Flames of the National Hockey League's western conference will be developing their talent in the Utica Memorial Auditorium. Utica last had an AHL team during the 1992-'93 seasson , the final season of the New Jersey Devils six-season run at the Aud. Here's what we do know, according to a reliable source. A 10-year deal has been struck with the Flames. There had been discussion in previous months that an AHL affiliate could be relocated to Utica, but not until the 2014-'15 season, due to scheduling issues. As far as any opt-out clause in the deal, I don't know for sure if or when one has been added. However, you would think an escape route, for both parties ( local operators and the Flames ) would/should want one. 10 years is infinity and beyond in any relationship.
A lobbying firm in Albany is involved with those locally who will be managing the franchise. Two sources have informed us that public money is being pursed in conjunction with the return of professional hockey to Utica. There are a few phases of upgrades to the Aud planned. Skyboxes are in the plans to be added to the 54-year old arena, however it isn't clear at this time during what planning phase work will get under way.

[Zulu29]

FFS I hope this isn't true...

[devo22]

... wasn't the intention of the Abbotsford move that they want their AHL team closer? Why would they go out and move it to Utica then? Makes absolutely no sense.

Would suck for dedicated fans like PMMG.

[kyuss275]

Is PMM also included in this transaction to NY?

[Freeway]

Flames statement, courtesy Vicki Hall and Randy Sportak on Twitter:

"We have been approached by representatives in Utica concerning an opportunity for the AHL. We understand they are building a case for the AHL to return there. We are under contract and committed to Abbotsford, and have made no alternate commitments."