Bison announce affiliation with NHL's Winnipeg Jets

BLOOMINGTON -- The front office for the Bloomington Bison reported Thursday that the team has entered into an affiliate agreement with the National Hockey League's Winnipeg Jets.

The agreement will involve the Jets' American Hockey League affiliate, the Manitoba Moose.

“I’m thrilled for the next step in growing our organization,” said Bison President Andy Zilch in a statement. “The Winnipeg Jets and Manitoba Moose have a long and proven track record of developing talent on and off the ice. Their vision and professionalism align with our values in Bloomington, and this affiliation will provide even more opportunities for our players and for our fans to see them grow.”

The Jets won the President's Trophy as the top team in the NHL in the 2024-25 season. The Jets have been in Winnipeg since the 2011-12 season, when they relocated from Atlanta.

Although it is a different franchise, the first professional team playing under the Jets name was in the World Hockey Association from 1972 to 1979. That team would remain in the NHL until 1996, when it relocated to Phoenix to become the Coyotes.

"We are excited to begin this new partnership with the Bloomington Bison,” said Craig Heisinger, Senior Vice President & Director of Hockey Operations/Assistant General Manager of the Winnipeg Jets and General Manager of the Manitoba Moose. “The Bison have already shown their commitment to success on the ice, reaching the playoffs in their second season of operation. We look forward to the opportunity and professional environment that this affiliation will provide for our prospects.”

The Moose saw a 10-win, 22-point improvement this past season compared to the previous campaign, qualifying for the Calder Cup Playoffs.

“This is an important step forward for the Bloomington Bison,” said Head Coach Phillip Barski. “When we evaluated what we wanted in our next affiliation, we focused on alignment, communication, player development and a shared commitment to winning. Winnipeg and Manitoba have a strong development model, a clear hockey identity, and a history of preparing players the right way. We believe this partnership gives our organization, our players, and our fans a tremendous opportunity moving forward.”

The Bison was the ECHL affiliate of the New York Rangers and AHL affiliate Hartford Wolf Pack for the first two seasons in Bloomington. The Rangers have not officially announced a replacement partner in the ECHL.