Last month, we learned that Binghamton was losing its hockey team after the New Jersey Devils announced they were moving the affiliate at the end of the season. Now, the Vancouver Canucks have announced that they are pulling the Comets out of Utica.

The Comets have played in the Mohawk Valley since 2013.

Vancouver, in its announcement Tuesday, said the plan is to move the team closer to the NHL franchise in British Columbia next season. This may clear the way for another team to move to Utica.

Comets President Robert Esche bought a patent for the name "Utica Devils" last month. The city was the home of the Devils' minor league team from 1987 to 1993.