Montreal Canadiens AHL farm team on the move

The team said Monday that the American Hockey League board of governors has approved the relocation from St. John’s, N.L.

The 10,000-seat Place Bell arena is nearing completion in Laval.

As well as the main arena with NHL-size ice surface, the complex will have a community rinks and an international size rink.

“The relocation of our AHL affiliate in Laval will be beneficial in several ways, allowing for hockey management to follow the organization’s young prospects and provide players and coaching staff with a great environment, a state-of-the-art hockey venue and a new and enthusiastic fan base,” said Canadiens general manager, Marc Bergevin. “Until the team relocates to Laval, the coaching staff under head coach Sylvain Lefebvre will continue their work of developing our young players and getting them prepared for the next level. I take this opportunity to thank all IceCaps fans for their loyal support, and I am convinced that Laval hockey fans will stand behind their new team.”

The St. John’s IceCaps have been the Canadiens main affiliate since moving from Hamilton a year ago.