A minor hockey league's governing body has approved the sale of the Portland Pirates to a group of Springfield, Massachusetts, investors.
The Pirates will start playing in Springfield in the fall as an affiliate of the Florida Panthers. The Portland Press Herald reports the American Hockey League's Board of Governors unanimously approved the sale on Monday.
The Panthers are agreeing to a multi-year affiliation agreement with the Springfield club.
Springfield sought a new team to fill the void expected to be left by the Springfield Falcons. The Falcons are moving to Tucson, Arizona.
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