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The team was founded as the Capital District Islanders (playing at Houston Field House on campus at RPI located across the Hudson River in Troy, New York) in 1990 but changed their name when the New Jersey Devils sold their old affiliate the Utica Devils to become linked with this team.
The Rats' glory days came in the mid to late 90's when they made 7 consecutive playoff appearances, won 2 division titles, and took home the AHL's Calder Cup in 1995. However, wins have declined since the 1997-98 season, the last time Albany won a playoff series. Since their last playoff appearance in 2000, the River Rats have finished last in each of the past 6 seasons. A new affiliation with the Carolina Hurricanes beginning in the 2006-07 season brings hope of a return to AHL glory not seen in Albany since the late '90s.
On March 22, 2006, the Devils announced that they were cutting ties with the River Rats after the 2005-06 AHL season, as the parent club announced the purchase of the Lowell Lock Monsters. Despite the move, the River Rats were not relocated and returned to Albany. In April 2006, The Carolina Hurricanes signed a one year agreement (with the option to renew for two additional) with the River Rats to be their farm affiliate. Later on, Carolina was joined by the Colorado Avalanche in a one-year partnership agreement.
Area History:
The market was previously served by the Albany Choppers of the IHL (1990-91)
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