Canes have new AHL affiliate

On Tuesday, the Carolina Hurricanes reached an agreement with a new AHL affiliate. It was not, however, what people were expecting. All bets were that the Canes would hook up with the Norfolk Admirals. However, they bucked geographic logic and have a new agreement with the Albany River Rats.
The agreement is good for one season, and features a renewal option wherein either side can renew the partnership for the 2007-08 season.
The Hurricanes announced further that Tom Rowe, who has been with Carolina as head coach of the Lowell Lock Monsters, will stay on board to coach the River Rats.

The River Rats, who also just renewed their lease with the Pepsi Arena through the 2007 season, have been most recently affiliated with the New Jersey Devils. Although they are in last place, the team has been a consistent draw over their 12 year existence. Of course next season, the roster will be filled by Carolina's prospects, so there will be a fresh start. The good news for Albany fans is that they won't have to change the team's colors: they'll still be red and black. There will only be a slight modification to the logo and the uniform.

Carolina has the option, as they did with Lowell, of sharing the team with another NHL club. At the moment, Carolina is sharing Lowell with Colorado. I don't know what their plans are.