In news today that should further the hockey market in Missouri and Kansas, the Missouri Mavericks announced today that they have a working agreement with the St. Louis Blues starting this coming season. While it doesn't affect the Mavericks' current agreement with the New York Islanders, as they will still be their ECHL affiliate, it also means that the Blues, who were one of four teams to not have an ECHL affiliate prior to today (Columbus, Florida, and New Jersey are the others), will have the ability to send players to Missouri from their AHL affiliate in the Chicago Wolves.
Given the success of both the Mavericks and Blues last season, with the Mavericks winning the regular season title and the Blues making the Conference Finals for the first time since 2001, the opportunity to grow the game in Missouri and Kansas is one that is there, and as well, the Blues won't have far to send players in the ECHL if they choose. The move also provides another outlet for the Blues to continue to grow, as they prepare for the 2017 Winter Classic against the Chicago Blackhawks and as they prepare for their 50th year in the NHL.
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