Phoenix Coyotes renew affiliate agreement with the Gwinnett Gladiators of the ECHL

The Phoenix Coyotes announced that they have agreed to terms with the Gwinnett Gladiators to remain as the organization's East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) affiliate. Phoenix's American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate remains the Portland Pirates. The ECHL is one step below the AHL.

In a statement, Phoenix Assistant General Manager Brad Treliving said he was pleased with the continued commitment. "We are glad to once again have Gwinnett as our ECHL affiliate," said Treliving. "The Gladiators are a model franchise in the ECHL and we look forward to the continued development of future Phoenix Coyotes in Gwinnett," he added in the organization's press release.

Jeff Cox is a hockey reporter for SBNation. Follow Jeff on twitter @JeffCoxSBNation.