Rangers farm club to remain in Hartford

Subject to final contract approval, rumors that the Rangers wanted to move their farm club to Bridgeport can now be cast aside.

From the Connecticut's press release:

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GOV. MALLOY: WHALE INKS MULTI-YEAR DEAL AT XL CENTER

Capital Region Development Authority Will Vote on Final Contract in March

 

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy and Michael Freimuth, Executive Director of the Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA), today announced that a multi-year deal has been reached between Global Spectrum and Madison Square Garden (MSG) for the American Hockey League's (AHL) Whale to play at the XL Center in Hartford.

 

"I applaud Mike's team at CRDA, Global Spectrum, and Madison Square Garden for their efforts to ensure Hartford remains home to professional hockey," said Governor Malloy. "Hartford is a city of tremendous potential—deals like this one will bring more people downtown, help spur additional economic activity, and reinvigorate our capital city. Three more years—and maybe more—of Whale hockey is great news for Connecticut fans, this one included." 

 

"The ability to secure a professional hockey team for Hartford was a major consideration in selecting Global Spectrum as the management team for the XL Center," said Michael Freimuth, Executive Director of CRDA. "The Whale is a great team and having Global at the helm means marketing opportunities that will bring more commerce and economic growth to Hartford.  I thank MSG and Global for working so diligently to get this done."

 

The contract calls for the team to play at the XL Center for the 2013-2016 seasons, and includes a provision that could extend the term for an additional two years. 

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Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home telecasts since January 21, 1982. Visit my blog: NYISkinny.com and follow me on Twitter @ehornick