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Habs’ new AHL affiliate to be called the Rocket de Laval

laval

In tribute to Habs legend Maurice Richard, the Montreal Canadiens’ new AHL affiliate will be called Club de hockey Rocket de Laval.

In July, the Canadiens announced that they were relocating their AHL club from St. John’s, Newfoundland, to the Montreal suburb of Laval. Starting in 2017-18, the Rocket de Laval will play in a new arena called Place Bell.

The team name was chosen by a fan contest. It was the “heavy favorite among some 850 different names submitted,” according to Place Bell president Vincent Lucier.

“The message was loud and clear from fans looking for a meaningful identity for their team while paying tribute to Maurice ‘Rocket’ Richard as one of the Canadiens’ most legendary figures,” said Lucier.

The Habs also announced today that former NHL goalie Sean Burke has joined them as a pro scout.

From the press release:

Sean Burke, 49, spent six seasons as a member of the Coyotes hockey management as goaltending coach and director of player development before being promoted to assistant general manager on July 10, 2012.

Burke left the Coyotes last summer after his contract expired.

“I felt it was time to turn the page,” he told Fox Sports Arizona. “There wasn’t going to be the opportunity to continue to advance and grow with the Coyotes. That happens in a lot of organizations with a lot of people.”