BOSTON (AP) – The Boston Bruins will keep their minor-league affiliate in Rhode Island for another eight years.

Providence’s American Hockey League franchise has been affiliated with the Bruins since its inception in 1992. A total of 156 Bruins have developed there, including Patrice Bergeron, Glen Murray, Mark Stuart and Tim Thomas.

Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli says the partnership between the organizations has never been stronger. He added that having the teams close together benefits both on the ice and with marketing.