The Denver Cutthroats announced today they have entered into an affiliation agreement with the National Hockey League’s Colorado Avalanche. Under the agreement, the Cutthroats become an additional resource for player personnel and development needs for the Avalanche and their American Hockey League affiliate, the Lake Erie Monsters.

“We’re humbled, thrilled, and excited to be a part of the Avalanche family,” said Cutthroats Head Coach Derek Armstrong. “They’re a first-class organization with a rich tradition and two Stanley Cups. Our job is to support their players and hockey operations department however they need and that’s what we are here to do. We’re all looking forward to working with them.”

Under the agreement, Avalanche players and prospects can be assigned to the Cutthroats throughout the 2012-13 season for developmental purposes. The Avalanche also have the option of promoting Cutthroats players to their NHL and AHL clubs. Armstrong will work alongside Craig Billington, the Avalanche’s Vice-President of Player Development/Minor League Operations, in determining those decisions and working with the team’s prospects.

“This agreement gives our organization the ability to develop and monitor our prospects in an efficient and effective manner,” said Billington. “We look forward to having some of our players join the Denver Cutthroats in their inaugural season.”

Three other teams in the Central Hockey League held ties with an NHL club last season -- the Allen Americans (Dallas Stars/Texas Stars, Colorado Avalanche/Lake Erie Monsters), the Arizona Sundogs (Phoenix Coyotes/Portland Pirates) and the Missouri Mavericks (Vancouver Canucks/Chicago Wolves).

The Cutthroats begin their inaugural season this October.

ABOUT THE DENVER CUTTHROATS

The Denver Cutthroats drop the puck on their inaugural season in October 2012, bringing professional hockey back to the historic Denver Coliseum for the first time in 13 years. The Cutthroats are a member team of the Central Hockey League, and will participate in the league’s 21st season overall. Season ticket packages are on sale now and can be purchased by calling (303) 295-FISH (3474). The most up-to-date information can be found at denvercutthroats.com.