Faceoff Factor

Johnstown Chiefs Ink Deal With Avalanche

Matt Bodenschatz | Minor Leagues (ECHL, AHL, etc)

Aug 20, 06:29 PM | Hype this story!

Just a few short months ago, the future of the ECHL’s Johnstown Chiefs was in serious limbo.

Not only had the team lost its affiliation with the Tampa Bay Lightning, but majority owner Jim Weber had stepped down.

But the team remains in Johnstown, PA for at least one more year, which is starting to look a bit more promising.

The Chiefs, which will celebrate their 20th season in the ECHL, have signed on as the AA affiliate to the Colorado Avalanche of the NHL.

“We look forward to our new relationship with the Colorado organization,” said new majority owner Niel Smith to Mike Mastovich of the Johnstown Tribune-Democrat. “They have a winning tradition in Denver that is almost unparaleled. The Avalanche have a great player-development system, and it is an honor to be part of it.”

As part of the affiliation, the Chiefs also will be associated with the Lake Erie Monsters, an AHL expansion team that serves as the Avalanche’s AAA affiliate.

The new affiliation with the Avalanche marks the Chiefs’ eighth NHL affiliation in the team’s 20-year existence.

Ryan Nie The Goalie Guy
The Tribune-Democrat also has reported that the Chiefs have inked former OHL goaltender Ryan Nie to a contract.

The 22-year-old goaltender was considered to be one of the best goaltenders on the market.

In 32 games last year in the UHL, Nie went 20-8-4 with a 2.02 goals-against average, .929 save percentage and seven shutouts. And, while his save percentage and shutouts led the league last season, his goals-against average set a new league record.

“He has a very good save percentage and he’s put up very good numbers. He’s the kind of person we’re looking for — character type people, guys who want to go to the rink every day and work. He fits the bill. He has the skill and talent and character,” said new Chiefs head coach Ian Herbers, who coached against Nie last season.