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==History==
==History==
In May, 2016, following the relocation of the [[Springfield Falcons]] to [[Tuscon, Arizona]], after the team was sold to the [[Arizona Coyotes]], the AHL's [[Portland Pirates]] were sold to a group of outside buyers to relocate the franchise to Springfield for the 2016–17 season.<ref>{{cite web|title=Portland Pirates to leave Maine and move to Springfield, MA|url=http://www.wcsh6.com/sports/hockey/portland-pirates-to-leave-maine-and-move-to-springfield-ma/170627229|website=WCSH|accessdate=4 May 2016|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/american-hockey-league-announces-franchise-transaction/n-5147928 |title=American Hockey League Announces Franchise Transaction |publisher=''OurSports Central'' |date=May 23, 2016}}</ref>
In May, 2016, following the relocation of the [[Springfield Falcons]] to [[Tucson, Arizona]], after the team was sold to the [[Arizona Coyotes]], the AHL's [[Portland Pirates]] were sold to a group of outside buyers to relocate the franchise to Springfield for the 2016–17 season.<ref>{{cite web|title=Portland Pirates to leave Maine and move to Springfield, MA|url=http://www.wcsh6.com/sports/hockey/portland-pirates-to-leave-maine-and-move-to-springfield-ma/170627229|website=WCSH|accessdate=4 May 2016|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/american-hockey-league-announces-franchise-transaction/n-5147928 |title=American Hockey League Announces Franchise Transaction |publisher=''OurSports Central'' |date=May 23, 2016}}</ref>


The new ownership was comprised of local business interests seeking to keep hockey in Springfield, and included Paul Picknelly, president of Monarch Place — Springfield's tallest skyscraper — and member of the family owning [[Peter Pan Bus Lines]], as well as several local hotel owners.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.westernmassnews.com/story/32147357/the-investors-of-springfields-new-hockey-team-revealed |title=The investors of Springfield's new hockey team revealed |publisher=''Western Mass News'' |date=June 5, 2016}}</ref>
The new ownership was comprised of local business interests seeking to keep hockey in Springfield, and included Paul Picknelly, president of Monarch Place — Springfield's tallest skyscraper — and member of the family owning [[Peter Pan Bus Lines]], as well as several local hotel owners.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.westernmassnews.com/story/32147357/the-investors-of-springfields-new-hockey-team-revealed |title=The investors of Springfield's new hockey team revealed |publisher=''Western Mass News'' |date=June 5, 2016}}</ref>

Revision as of 17:55, 15 June 2016

Springfield Thunderbirds
CitySpringfield, Massachusetts
LeagueAmerican Hockey League
ConferenceEastern Conference
DivisionAtlantic
Founded1975 (In the NAHL)
Home arenaMassMutual Center
ColorsNavy blue, sky blue, red, gold, white
         
Owner(s)Springfield Hockey, LLC.
General managerEric Joyce
Head coachGeordie Kinnear
MediaThe Springfield Republican
WHYN NewsRadio 560
WSHM-LD, WWLP
WGGB-TV
AffiliateFlorida Panthers (NHL)
Franchise history
1975–1982Erie Blades
1982–1993Baltimore Skipjacks
1993–2016Portland Pirates
2016–presentSpringfield Thunderbirds
Current season

The Springfield Thunderbirds are a minor professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League set to begin play for the 2016–17 season as the affiliate of the National Hockey League's Florida Panthers. Based in Springfield, Massachusetts, the Thunderbirds will play their home games at the MassMutual Center.

History

In May, 2016, following the relocation of the Springfield Falcons to Tucson, Arizona, after the team was sold to the Arizona Coyotes, the AHL's Portland Pirates were sold to a group of outside buyers to relocate the franchise to Springfield for the 2016–17 season.[1][2]

The new ownership was comprised of local business interests seeking to keep hockey in Springfield, and included Paul Picknelly, president of Monarch Place — Springfield's tallest skyscraper — and member of the family owning Peter Pan Bus Lines, as well as several local hotel owners.[3]

The Florida Panthers renewed its affiliation with the relocated franchise. The Panthers assigned their assistant general manger, Eric Joyce, to be Springfield's general manager and named Geordie Kinnear as the new head coach.[4] The Thunderbirds also named Bruce Landon, the Falcons' and Indians' longtime president and general manager, as a consultant, while hiring AHL executive Nathan Costa as their executive vice-president in charge of business operations.[5] The team's new name was announced at a press conference on June 15, 2016.[6]

The market was previously home to:

Players

Current roster

Template:Springfield Thunderbirds roster

References

  1. ^ "Portland Pirates to leave Maine and move to Springfield, MA". WCSH. Retrieved 4 May 2016.
  2. ^ "American Hockey League Announces Franchise Transaction". OurSports Central. May 23, 2016. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  3. ^ "The investors of Springfield's new hockey team revealed". Western Mass News. June 5, 2016. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  4. ^ "Kinnear named coach of Florida's AHL affiliate". AHL. June 7, 2016.
  5. ^ Pignatello, Jim (June 8, 2016). "Springfield AHL team names city native Nathan Costa as Executive VP; Bruce Landon to serve as consultant". Springfield Republican. Retrieved 15 June 2016.
  6. ^ Pignatiello, Jim (June 15, 2016). "Springfield Thunderbirds announced as name, mascot of city's AHL franchise". MassLive.com. Retrieved June 15, 2016.
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