The Montreal Canadiens announced on Monday that the American Hockey League's Board of Governors has unanimously approved the relocation of their AHL franchise from St. John’s, N.L., to Laval, Que., beginning in the 2017-18 season.

The Canadiens' AHL franchise will play at Laval's Place Bell, a multi-purpose facility under construction.

"The relocation of our AHL affiliate in Laval will be beneficial in several ways, allowing for hockey management to follow the organization's young prospects and provide players and coaching staff with a great environment, a state-of-the-art hockey venue and a new and enthusiastic fan base," said Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin in a statement.

"Until the team relocates to Laval, the coaching staff under head coach Sylvain Lefebvre will continue their work of developing our young players and getting them prepared for the next level. I take this opportunity to thank all IceCaps fans for their loyal support, and I am convinced that Laval hockey fans will stand behind their new team."

The team played last season in St. John's as the IceCaps after moving from Hamilton, Ont. Led by goaltender Carey Price, the franchise won a Calder Cup in 2007 in Hamilton.