​This afternoon, the Bloomington Bison revealed their new NHL and AHL affiliations. Beginning in October, they will be aligned with the Winnipeg Jets of the NHL and the Manitoba Moose of the AHL. This marks one of several ECHL teams switching affiliations this offseason, signaling a broader realignment across the league. We are excited to embark on this new partnership with the Bloomington Bison. The Bison have already demonstrated a strong commitment to success on the ice, earning a playoff spot in just their second season of operation. We look forward to the opportunities and professional environment this affiliation will provide for our prospects. – Craig Heisinger, Senior Vice President & Director of Hockey Operations/Assistant General Manager of the Winnipeg Jets and General Manager of the Manitoba Moose.
This move could be a positive step for the Bloomington franchise, aligning them with an NHL organization that has enjoyed recent success and solid player development. The Winnipeg organization has a track record of developing NHL-caliber players through the ECHL. Most recently, goaltender Thomas Milic, a fifth-round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, advanced from the Norfolk Admirals to the Manitoba Moose before making his NHL debut with the Jets last season. Goaltender Isaac Poulter also split the 2025-26 season between the Admirals and Moose after re-signing with Winnipeg. Defenseman Dawson Barteaux and forward Chase Yoder spent time in both leagues last season.
This affiliation represents an important step forward for the Bloomington Bison. When evaluating what they wanted in their next partnership, the team emphasized alignment, communication, player development, and a shared commitment to winning. Winnipeg and Manitoba boast a strong development model, a clear hockey identity, and a proven history of preparing players the right way. Bloomington believes this collaboration offers a tremendous opportunity for the organization, its players, and its fans moving forward. – Head Coach Phillip Barski on teaming up with the Jets organization.
Previously, Bloomington served as the ECHL affiliate of the New York Rangers and the Hartford Wolf Pack. This transition to Winnipeg and Manitoba marks a new era for the Bison, one that aims to enhance player progression through a well-established pipeline and to amplify the excitement surrounding Bloomington hockey as the team integrates into a corps of affiliated NHL and AHL franchises. The affiliation underscores Bloomington’s commitment to competitive excellence and long-term growth, promising meaningful benefits for developing players, the coaching staff, and the fan base alike.