The AHL is returning to Newfoundland and Labrador as former premier Danny Williams managed to snag a deal with the Manitoba Moose, the designated farm team for the newly awarded Winnipeg NHL franchise.

The Newfoundland and Labrador government was asked to provide a subsidy to the tune of $500,000 but quickly decided to not get involved with pro hockey.  To save the deal, Williams went another route and worked with Mile One Entertainment to provide alternate funding for the team.

Williams inked a 3-year deal for the franchise and it’s likely this will be Newfoundland’s last chance to keep a pro hockey team in its capital.  The St. John’s Maple Leafs pulled out after 10 years and the Fog Devils had a short stint in the capital.

While Newfoundland Hockey Talk is happy to see pro hockey return to the province, one must ask the question if there will be enough support to keep the team in the city.  Initial indications are this is a long term commitment by both Williams and the league and early ticket sales and marketing measures show the team is headed in the right direction.

The name of the team has yet to be announced.