Panthers Renew American Hockey League Affiliation

Cats Prospects to Continue to Develop in Rochester

Florida Panthers General Manager Mike Keenan announced today that the club has renewed its American Hockey League affiliation with the Rochester Americans for the 2006-07 season. For the second consecutive year, the Panthers will share the affiliation with the Buffalo Sabres, with Florida providing as many as 12 prospects to Rochester.

"We are very excited by the opportunity to again place some of our top prospects with the Rochester Americans," said Keenan. "The Americans are one of the storied franchises in the American Hockey League and have a proven track record for developing young players for NHL competition. We are very pleased with the progress of our prospects in Rochester this year and we look forward to continuing to aid in the success of their team next season."

Some of the Panthers top prospects to play with Rochester during the 2005-06 campaign include, LW Gregory Campbell, C Kamil Kreps, C Stefan Meyer, RW Greg Jacina, RW Anthony Stewart, RW Rob Globke, D Jeremy Swanson, D Grant McNeil, D Martin Tuma, C Drew Larman, C Dustin Johner, G Phil Osaer and G Jean-Marc Pelletier.

"We welcome the extension of our relationship with the Florida Panthers and Mike Keenan for the 2006-07 season," said Rochester Americans General Manager Jody Gage. "We were encouraged by the progress of the Florida prospects this year and having finalized the agreement before the end of the regular season will give us time for planning and roster development for next season."