Future Flyers May Get Their Wings First

The next great Fly Guys may have to stop in Kalamazoo, Mich. on their way to the NHL.

The Kalamazoo Wings agreed to be an affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers and San Jose Sharks for the 2009-2010 season, according to the Wings.

Philly and San Jose will assign players to the East Coast Hockey League team under arrangements announced Wednesday. The Wings also will be associated with the teams' American Hockey League clubs including the Adirondack Phantoms.

"I am excited and looking forward to enhancing the development of the Flyers' prospects and working with such a successful organization," said Paul Pickard, Wings Stadium and Kalamazoo Wings President.

The Wings replace the Mississippi Sea Wolves as the Flyers' ECHL affiliate.

This isn't the first time that the Flyers and Kalamazoo hooked up. Kalamazoo was previously affiliated with Flyers from 1984-87. Other teams affiliated with Kalamazoo included the Detroit Red Wings (1974-1987), Vancouver Canucks (1984-1987), Minnesota North Stars (1987-1993) and Dallas Stars (1993-2000).

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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