Admirals reach deal with Ducks

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - Less than two weeks after winning the Calder Cup, the Admirals have entered into a multi-year affiliation agreement with the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League.

Trent Yawney coached the Admirals to the Calder Cup playoffs when the team first joined the American Hockey League. Yawney will now be back in Hampton Roads as the head coach next season. Ironically, his assistant coach is Marty Wilford, an all-time leading scorer among defenseman with 173 points (32g, 141a) in 318 games between 2000-01 and 2004-05.

"We are excited to have the Ducks as our partner and look for a terrific long-term relationship," Admirals President Ken Young said. "The Ducks have the nucleus of an excellent club in Anaheim and have a great system of prospects that we will see develop in Norfolk. We look forward to continued top-level hockey in Hampton Roads as Anaheim's top affiliate."

Ducks Executive Vice President and General Manager Bob Murray said he is excited about the new partnership as well.

“We are excited to be affiliating with the Admirals in a great hockey market such as Norfolk, Virginia," Murray said. "We look forward to working with the Norfolk organization and continuing the winning tradition the team has created at Norfolk Scope Arena. We would also like to thank the Syracuse Crunch and its fans for their support over the last two seasons.”