Blackhawks come to major decision with affiliation system

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Joshua Deeds
May 10, 2024 (11:14)

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For Hockey Teams continuity is a big factor in team chemistry and the same could be said for organizations, as a whole.

For the Chicago Blackhawks, that continuity remains, as the Blackhawks, their AHL affiliate the Rockford IceHogs have made the decision to renew their ECHL affiliation with the Indy Fuel.

The term is for another two years, for the ECHL's Indy Fuel, a developmental league and team for the AHL's IceHogs and NHL's Blackhawks.

«We are thrilled to renew our affiliation once again with the Indy Fuel," said IceHogs President and General Manager of Hockey Operations Mark Bernard. "For the past 10 seasons the relationship between organizations has been productive and impactful. Jim Hallett, Larry McQueary, and Duncan Dalmao have always treated our players with the upmost professionalism, and we look forward to continuing our partnership.»

The Fuel has been the Chicago Blackhawks ECHL affiliate since 2014, beginning their 1st year as a franchise in the league. The team plays on home ice at the Indiana Farmers Coliseum on the Indian Fairgrounds.

The Indiana Ice were previously the Blackhawks affiliates from 1989-1998 during the time period were part of the IHL.

During the 2023-2024 season, nine players saw action in the ECHL and in Rockford, along with the Fuel reaching the Kelly Cup in 3 of the last 4 seasons.