SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - The Manitoba Moose have found a new home.
The American Hockey League's board of governors has approved the franchise's move from Winnipeg to St. John's, N.L.
The AHL club was forced to leave Winnipeg after True North Sports and Entertainment purchased the Atlanta Thrashers late last month with the intention of moving them to Manitoba capital.
True North Sports and Entertainment also owns the Moose.
The St. John's club will serve as the AHL affiliate for the as-yet named Winnipeg franchise starting in 2011-12.
The AHL's St. John's Maple Leafs were relocated to become the Toronto Marlies in 2005 after 14 seasons.
The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League's St. John's Fog Devils were founded in 2005, but left to become the Montreal Juniors in 2008.
"The American Hockey League is excited to be returning to St. John's," AHL president and CEO David Andrews said in a release. "The people of Newfoundland and Labrador showed tremendous support for our league in the past, and we're confident that passion will return to Mile One Centre this fall."
