NORFOLK, VA. - The Norfolk Admirals announced today that the club has reached an affiliation agreement with the Nashville Predators of the National Hockey League, beginning with the 2017-18 season.
"After a thorough process, the Nashville Predators are the perfect fit for the city of Norfolk and the Admirals. Their proven history of community outreach, innovative marketing, player development and winning is everything Admirals fans demand of us," Admirals President Michael Santos stated.
Predators Director of Hockey Operations Brian Poile represented the new parent club at the event and said, "As an organization, we're a big believer in the direction the Admirals are headed. We love having committed relationships with our affiliates for a variety of reasons, not limited to only player development."
The Milwaukee Admirals will continue to serve as the American Hockey League affiliate for the Predators, the bridge between Nashville and Norfolk.
Since their inception in 1998, 35 Predators have been ECHL alumnus, including players such as Tomas Vokoun, Vern Fiddler and Anthony Bitetto.
This announcement comes as the first of three major organizational changes this summer for the Admirals. A new logo and jerseys will be revealed prior to the season.
The Admirals will kick off their 2017-18 campaign in October, with the home opener coming on Friday the 27th against the South Carolina Stingrays.
Season memberships are on sale now and start as low $500 for 36 games at Norfolk Scope Arena. Memberships can be purchased by contacting the Admirals at 757-640-1212 or on norfolkadmirals.com.
Adirondack Thunder
Allen Americans
Atlanta Gladiators
Bloomington Bison
Cincinnati Cyclones
Florida Everblades
Fort Wayne Komets
Greensboro Gargoyles
Greenville Swamp Rabbits
Idaho Steelheads
Indy Fuel
Iowa Heartlanders
Jacksonville Icemen
Kalamazoo Wings
Kansas City Mavericks
Maine Mariners
Norfolk Admirals
Orlando Solar Bears
Rapid City Rush
Reading Royals
Savannah Ghost Pirates
South Carolina Stingrays
Tahoe Knight Monsters
Toledo Walleye
Trois-Rivières Lions
Tulsa Oilers
Utah Grizzlies
Wheeling Nailers
Wichita Thunder
Worcester Railers