July 30, 2014
The Wichita Falls Wildcats (NAHL) and the Dallas Jr Stars (NA3HL) today have announced an agreement in principle to create an affiliation relationship that will see the two clubs work together on the acquisition and promotion of players. The affiliation will see the Jr Stars operate as the NA3HL affiliate of the Wildcats with the two organizations collaborating on player development, growth and advancement. The agreement was announced by the Wildcats’ Media Director Ben Horner and the Stars’ President and GM Reggie Hall.
”The Wildcats see substantial value for players in the relationship between the NAHL and the NA3HL and view an affiliation with the Jr Stars as a great way to foster continuity in player identification, training and advancement. Last season we informally began a dialog with the Jr Stars and picked up one player from their roster early on and toward the end of the season had players out to practice with our squad. This new formal affiliation with the Jr Stars will establish an opportunity to have players that are close to making our team or who might be a year away, playing on a team that is geographically close to us so that we can regularly monitor their progress and get them to practices or in games as the situation dictates. This agreement establishes a true ladder of development that our players and prospects can see and experience firsthand”, said Wichita Falls’ Horner.
“We are excited about this opportunity to work with one of the top NAHL clubs in the league and the fact they are just two hours away from Dallas means incredible opportunity for our players to receive regular and consistent exposure to the Wildcats’ coaches and scouts. We worked hard in our first season to establish the character and quality of our organization and demonstrated our focus on player advancement as evidenced by the players moved to the NAHL and our six NCAA commitments. This affiliation with one of the model clubs in the NAHL means the players who choose to play with us in Dallas can see a clear path to the next level” said Stars’ GM Reggie Hall.
The affiliation agreement is effective immediately even though final details are still being worked out.
The Wichita Falls Wildcats are a Tier II Junior hockey program sanctioned by USA Hockey and playing in the North American Hockey League (NAHL). For more information check the Wildcats’ website at www.wfwildcatshockey.com.
The Dallas Jr Stars are a Tier III Junior hockey program sanctioned by USA Hockey and playing in the North American 3 Hockey League (NAHL). The Jr Stars will be entering their second season in the NA3HL coming off of an inaugural South Division Playoff Championship and a trip to the coveted NA3HL Silver Cup Championship in March. The Stars will conduct Main Camp in Dallas August 8-10. For more information check the Stars’ website at www.starsjrhockey.com
