(Pittsburgh, Pa) According to a release from the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Florida Everblades have been named as the organization’s ECHL affiliate, according to President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Kyle Dubas. The announcement ends their longtime affiliation with the Wheeling Nailers.

“The Penguins are excited to partner with the Florida Everblades, who are one of the premier organizations in the ECHL,” said Penguins Assistant General Manager Jason Spezza. “As an organization, our player development system puts a strong emphasis on a three-tiered development model between the NHL, AHL and ECHL, and we feel that Florida’s championship pedigree and winning environment will help our players reach their maximum potential. Under the leadership of Craig Brush and Head Coach Brad Ralph, the Everblades have won four of the last five Kelly Cup championships and our goal to provide Coach Ralph with quality prospects that can continue to help the Everblades bring championship hockey to Southwest Florida.”

When the Hoffmann Family of Companies completed their acquisition of the Penguins, the Florida Everblades were expected to become their affiliate due to the Hoffman family already owning the team.