Portland, ME – Brian Petrovek believes the newly signed affiliation with the Phoenix Coyotes will continue to raise the bar on past partnerships with the Portland Pirates.

“We were looking for an organization that was willing to take on the task of raising the bar further than what Washington, Anaheim and Buffalo had done over these last 11 years, since we bought the franchise in the year 2000,” said Pirates Managing Owner and CEO Brian Petrovek at Monday’s press conference to announce a new five-year affiliation agreement with Phoenix.

With free agency less than 24 hours away, the Coyotes have said they plan to be actively aggressive in the marketplace when the clock strikes noon on Friday.

Well as they say the proof will be in the pudding to see if they intend to as sincere as Petrovek indicates they are in putting a competitive team in Portland.

“We were looking for an organization that would provide to our fans an entertaining, exciting, hardworking and strong character product from management, coaches and players though out the organization,” Petrovek said. “We were looking for an organization that agreed with us that the only way to properly develop players for the NHL was in a winning environment with skilled young talent supported by experienced success unselfish veterans.”

Pirates GM Brad Treliving points to several high-profile signings last season including defenseman Garrett Stafford, who was signed early on in free agency last season to a hefty two-year, two-way NHL/AHL contract with the Coyotes that will see him make a cool quarter of a million dollars in Portland this season.

Despite the best of well-intended plans there are outside forces that might dictate what the Coyotes are able to do.

“A lot will depend on the market, but we plan on talking with the people who we have interest in early and we hopefully we’ll get it done early,” said Treliving, “if not, we may be sitting here a little bit, but we’ll be working our plan.”

“Whether a player is signed July 1st or August 1st is dependent on the market and how quickly the price of market is set.” We plan to be aggressive early on, but a lot of factors depend on the market.”

The top need for the Coyotes not only in Portland, but in Phoenix is at the goaltending position.

Currently, Phoenix only has Jason Labarbera – someone Pirates’ fans are more than familiar with – locked up for the next two years.

Prior to the NHL Entry Draft, they dealt away the negotiating rights of Ilya Bryzgalov to the Philadelphia Flyers for a third round pick in 2012, the negotiating rights to minor leaguer Matt Clackson and future considerations after his price wasn’t going to be met by Phoenix.

Bryzgalov signed a nine-year deal worth $51 million dollars with the Flyers only a few days after the trade.

Treliving admitted the need to fill a gap in goal for this season until Coyotes first round pick (#27 overall) Mark Visentin is ready to turn pro. He also was quick to praise 2009 draft pick (#91 overall) Mike Lee, who is returning to St. Cloud State for his junior season and Louis Domingue, a fifth round selection (#138 overall) for the Quebec Remparts.

“That’s the position where we’ve spent the most time in terms of identifying a need,” Treliving said. “We’ve got Labarbera under contact, but we still need another goalie under contract for Phoenix, which is a big priority.”

“We think there is some depth in goal in terms of our younger players especially (Mark) Visentin, Mike Lee and (Louis) Domingue. There is a need in the goaltender position in the AHL. That’s an area that we plan on being the most active and aggressive in. We think we offer an opportunity for a player and we feel comfortable with not only what’s coming on the market, but in the system.”

Phoenix has 14 players under contract more than likely bound for Portland when the season starts including last year’s Hobey Baker Award winner Andy Miele, who was one of the hottest collegiate free agents last season before deciding on Phoenix.

It’s moves that are made like that, that give Petrovek confidence he made the correct decision in partnering with the Coyotes.

“I’m not looking at the past,” said Petrovek. “I’m not looking at what San Antonio has done. I’m not really that interested in what Phoenix has done. I’m more focused on what I see is a bright future and the decision they’ve made over the last couple of years. I was more compelled by the plan they have in place.”

“I’m not looking at the history as much as I’m looking at today and tomorrow. Rest assured that group is going to give us a competitive product. If I wasn’t sure they were going to do that. I wouldn’t have allowed Buffalo to do they’re allowed to do which was buy another franchise to become a member of this league. We had three years left on this deal so I consider this move in the best interest of our fans and our business and I feel confident we’ll deliver on that.”

So for better or for worse and in the words of Brian Petrovek.

“The faint of heart need not apply. The day of the jackal has arrived in Portland.”