Lake Erie Monsters new AHL partner of Columbus Blue Jackets

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) The Columbus Blue Jackets have reached an agreement with the Lake Erie Monsters to have the Cleveland-based team serve as the NHL club's American Hockey League affiliate.

The Blue Jackets ended their five-year relationship with the AHL team in Springfield, Massachusetts.

The multiyear affiliation with the Monsters will begin with the 2015-16 season.

The Monsters are owned by Dan Gilbert, who also owns the Cleveland Cavaliers, and play their home games at the Cavaliers' home, Quicken Loans Arena. The 2015-16 season will be the Monsters' ninth in the AHL, the club having served as an affiliate of the Colorado Avalanche the past eight years.