The Anaheim Ducks enjoy a special relationship with their AHL affiliate in San Diego. Kenny Marcial takes a deeper look at that relationship and its benefits to both teams.

In 2015, due to a show of force by several NHL Western Conference Teams including the Anaheim Ducks, the American Hockey League (AHL) expanded to the Pacific Coast. Consequently, Anaheim ownership purchased their AHL affiliate and hockey in San Diego was re-born with their relocation.

Instead of creating a new brand to market, the Samueli’s revamped San Diego’s former Western Hockey League team, the Gulls. Fans have embraced the return of hockey to the area, and the Gulls have finished in the top three in AHL attendance all three seasons since their return. In addition, the Gulls led the entire AHL in attendance for 2017-18.

The Samueli’s ownership and the success of the Gulls have created a relationship Anaheim Ducks hadn’t seen before. It is working out well for the organization as a whole.

Location, Location, Location

For years, franchises in Pacific Division were fighting for their minor league affiliates to be conveniently located. The Ducks were affiliated with the Norfolk (Va) Admirals before setting up shop in San Diego. A flight from Norfolk to Southern California takes nearly seven hours, but that’s just flight time. Take into consideration a player has to pack his gear, get rides to and from the airport and waiting for their flight, it was an all-day ordeal.

The lengthy travel time created roster advantages for teams in the East. If an Anaheim player woke up sick or got hurt in the pre-game skate, GM Bob Murray wasn’t picking up his phone to hail someone in from Norfolk. He needed to rely on guys who should have been scratched or overwork his regular players.

In addition, player development an arduous task. Instead of gently exposing young prospect into the lineup, by necessity it was more sink-or-swim. Luckily, the expansion has allowed the Ducks to be merely an hour away from their AHL team and rectified previously held advantages by Eastern teams.