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Chicago Blackhawks Expand Organization

Paige Gagne | Minor Leagues (ECHL, AHL, etc)

Jul 19, 11:32 PM | Hype this story!

The Chicago Blackhawks have a new ECHL Affiliate in Pensacola. Greg Schuh, President of the Pensacola Ice Pilots, along with John Marks, Head Coach, announced today their one year affiliation agreement with the Blackhawks. The Ice Pilots will also be affiliated with the Rockford Ice Hogs of the AHL.

Marks is excited for many reasons one of which is getting another chance to be apart of the Blackhawks organization. “I am excited to once again be a part of a very proud original six franchise.” Marks continued, “The Blackhawwks organization was very good to me in the playing days and I hope through this affiliation, I can give back in a way that will help lead to their success. I know that General Manager Dale Tallon will make up every effort necessary to return the Blackhawks to Stanley Cup status. The entire Pensacola ECHL franchise is very excited about this agreement.”

Tallon said, “We’re excited about our new affiliations in Rockfrod and Pensacola. We have a number of future prospects that will be playing for both teams. Prospects are the lifeblood of an organization. With these two affiliations, I feel that our future prospects are in good hands.”

In recent years Chicago has drafted a slew of players. In the 2007 NHL Entry Draft the team took Patrick Kane. Last season Kane played for the London Knights of the OHL and racked up 145 points (62 goals and 83 assists) in 58 games. Chicago also came to terms as of late with their 2006 NHL Entry Draft pick, Jonathan Towes. Towes has spent the past two years at the University of North Dakota.