The Winnipeg Jets will have a new East Coast Hockey League affiliate for the 2015-16 season.
The club announced it has partnered with the Tulsa Oilers for next season. The Jets were affiliated with the ECHL’s Ontario Reign last season, but Ontario is now the AHL affiliate of the L.A. Kings.
“We are pleased to embark on our new partnership with the Tulsa Oilers,” said Jets’ assistant GM Craig Heisinger. “Tulsa is an organization that shares our level of commitment to success and we look forward to working together to provide our players’ opportunities to further develop themselves on and off the ice.”
The Oilers, who have not had an NHL affiliate since partnering with the Colorado Avalanche and Lake Erie Monsters in 2010-11, have a history with Winnipeg. Tulsa served as the Jets’ primary affiliate from 1979-1982.
Jason Christie, who was named the new head coach of the Oilers last Thursday, has strong ties to the Jets organization as well. Christie had two separate stints with the Manitoba Moose during his playing days appearing in 88 games. He was also an assistant coach with the Chicago Wolves from 2008-10 under current Jets’ GM Kevin Cheveldayoff.
Most recently Christie served was the head coach of the Ontario Reign - the Jets’ ECHL affiliate since 2013-14.
“We are thrilled to enter into this partnership with the Jets and the Moose,” said Oilers GM Taylor Hall. “Both teams are first-class organizations that share our commitment to winning and not only is this an exciting day for our fans, but it is also an important day for our players who want to continue their development and succeed at the next level.”
In May the Jets announced its new AHL affiliate, the Manitoba Moose, would play at the MTS Centre beginning next season.
