The Vancouver Canucks have had a complicated history with their minor league affiliates, and up until the Utica Comets — the AHL teams were all independently owned. The Comets are owned and operated by the Vancouver Canucks, allowing more fluidity throughout the organization.
The journey from Utica, New York, to Vancouver is a lengthy one and it means that emergency same day call-ups are practically impossible. This has led to ECHL and university goalies being called up to the Canucks. Far from the ideal situation.
While the Utica setup is not what one would dream of, there is an abundance of advantages to having the team in northern New York.