"Grizzlies snubbed": NHL fans react as Utah Hockey Club affiliates with ECHL's Allen Americans

Salt Lake City is entering the NHL this year after the Arizona Coyotes moved from Phoenix. On Wednesday, the Utah Hockey Club announced a one-year affiliation with the Allen Americans of the ECHL.

The Club shared the news on X, saying:

"We have reached a one-year affiliation agreement with the ECHL's @AllenAmericans!"

Soon NHL fans poured into the comment section to discuss the new affiliation contract. Some were excited about the new partnership. However, others were disappointed.

"Grizzlies snubbed," one fan remarked, referring to the Grizzlies, who are a local ECHL team.

"Wouldn't finding a way to get the Grizzlies on your side make more sense? I mean, I don't know their contract status with the Avs, but now you are splitting loyalties of a Utah Fanbase," another fan said,

"I read and hear the Utah owner has deep pockets, so hopefully, he spends to add solid depth in the system for both affiliates. Let's go!!" a fan said.

The new affiliation with the Allen Americans is seen as a step forward for the new team as it establishes its presence in the NHL. Here are some more reactions from X:

"And then the Avs will probably swap their Grizzlies affiliation with our Americans affiliation after the season is over," a fan said.

"Ottawa not does not have affiliation with an ECHL team now," one fan said.

"Are the Utah Grizzlies gonna stick around now that the NHL is in town?" one fan questioned.

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Utah Hockey Club's assistant GM John Ferguson talks about affiliation with Allen Americans

John Ferguson, assistant GM for the Utah Hockey Club and GM of the Tucson Roadrunners, praised the Allen Americans as a top organization.

“The Americans are a first-class organization with a passionate fan base and a reputation of winning,” said Ferguson. “We look forward to working with Americans Ownership, Myles and La Sonjia Jack, this season.”

The Americans are starting their 11th season in the ECHL, playing at the Credit Union of Texas Event Center in Allen, Texas. Founded in 2009, they won the Ray Miron President’s Cup in 2013 and 2014 and the Kelly Cup in 2015 and 2016. They have missed the playoffs only once and won three division championships.

The ECHL, a developmental league for the AHL and NHL, began in 1988-89 with five teams. It now has 29 teams across 22 states and provinces. Over 750 former ECHL players have reached the NHL.