The Lightning have entered into a multi-year affiliation agreement with the Syracuse Crunch of the AHL today, Lightning Assistant GM Julien BriseBois announced. Syracuse will serve as the Lightning's top affiliate starting with the 2012-13 regular season. "We are excited about our new partnership with the Syracuse Crunch and we look forward to working with Howard Dolgon and his organization on putting together a winning development program," said BriseBois. "We benefited from tremendous fan support in Norfolk which helped us reach new heights as a team. We wish the Admirals fans and the city of Norfolk all the best in the future."