The Bloomington Bison have officially entered an affiliate agreement with the NHL’s Winnipeg Jets and the AHL’s Manitoba Moose, a move designed to deepen player development and expand opportunities for both the ECHL roster and its fan base.
A Legacy of Talent Production
The Jets, who captured the President’s Trophy as the league’s top regular‑season team in 2024‑25, relocated from Atlanta to Winnipeg in 2011‑12, bringing a storied franchise to the heart of Canada’s hockey market. The Moose, meanwhile, posted a dramatic turnaround, improving by 10 wins and 22 points in the 2025‑26 season to secure a spot in the Calder Cup Playoffs.
Prospects who have already navigated this pathway illustrate its effectiveness. Thomas Milic, a goaltender who climbed from the ECHL’s Norfolk Admirals to the AHL’s Manitoba Moose and eventually made his NHL debut with Winnipeg, appeared in three games for the Jets and 41 for the Moose last season. Goaltender Isaac Poulter also re‑signed with the Jets, posting a 2‑0 record, a 2.76 goals‑against average and a .905 save percentage in three Moose appearances before closing the 2025‑26 campaign with a 25‑17‑1 record for the Admirals.
The affiliation is not limited to goaltenders. Defenseman Dawson Barteaux and forward Chase Yoder split time between the AHL and ECHL last season, showcasing the kind of flexibility the partnership aims to foster. Their experiences reflect a broader model where players can transition fluidly across levels, gaining exposure and ice time at each stage.
Beyond individual development, the alliance underscores a shared philosophy among the Jets, Moose and Bison: a commitment to nurturing talent that aligns with organizational values and long‑term goals. By leveraging the NHL and AHL platforms, the Bison hope to offer a clearer route to professional hockey while maintaining a competitive, community‑focused brand in Bloomington.