The Colorado Avalanche announced they have renewed their affiliation with a new two-year agreement for the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons with the Fort Wayne Komets of the ECHL. Last year was the first time Fort Wayne played as an affiliate with the Avs. The Komets join the San Antonio Rampage of the AHL as Colorado’s affiliates.

Fort Wayne general manager David Franke said in a press release, “We had a very good agreement with (the Avalanche) last year and they were at the top of our list this summer to continue the relationship. Craig Billington, assistant general manager, and David Oliver, player development director, are great to work with and they understand the value of a good affiliation to both the Avalanche and their AHL affiliate, San Antonio, and the Komets.”

Frankie went on to say how this two-year extension will allow all parties to better utilize their efforts on player personnel during the season and next summer. That’ll begin with head coach Gary Graham set to visit the Rampage’s training camp this fall to build a relationship with players on their way to Fort Wayne.

Last year the Komets reached the 100-point plateau for the first time since 2009-10 (48-18-6, 102 points) under the direction of Graham for a successful debut as an affiliate of Colorado.

The 64th season of Komet hockey begins Friday, Oct. 16 against longtime rival Kalamazoo in the season opener.

Mike Tolbert, a Mile High Sports intern and MSU-Denver student, contributed to this report