SPRINGFIELD, Mass. … The Springfield Thunderbirds and St. Louis Blues have introduced an extension of their affiliation settlement by the 2030-31 season. The deal additional solidifies the long-term way forward for the American Hockey League in Springfield, one of many league’s constitution cities.
“We’re thrilled to proceed our richly rewarding long-term partnership with the St. Louis Blues,” stated Thunderbirds President Nathan Costa. “The Blues and Thunderbirds share related core values relating to participant and workers improvement and sustaining a deep dedication to their communities. Our collaboration has enabled us to develop our franchise each on the ice and all through the area. We can not wait to see the following era of Blues stars hone their skills in Springfield in entrance of the perfect followers within the AHL.”
Within the first three seasons because the Blues’ AHL affiliate, the Thunderbirds have skilled great success on and off the ice. In 2022, the crew captured the Richard F. Canning Trophy as Japanese Convention champions, reaching the Calder Cup Finals for the primary time in membership historical past. The T-Birds obtained the American Hockey League’s President’s Award that very same yr.
The membership constructed upon their success final season, posting a franchise-record 20 sellout video games, together with a 14-game sellout streak to finish the marketing campaign. The 2023-24 season additionally marked the T-Birds’ eighth consecutive season of attendance development (6,321 followers per recreation).
For the reason that begin of the partnership, the Blues have additionally promoted a number of Springfield workers members to the father or mother membership in St. Louis. Most notably, Drew Bannister turned the primary Thunderbirds coach to earn a promotion to an NHL bench when he was named the Blues’ head coach on Could 8.
“Springfield gives a first-class atmosphere for gamers within the Blues group to develop on and off the ice and proceed their progress towards the NHL in a well-established, supportive market with robust, skilled management,” stated Blues assistant normal supervisor Ryan Miller.
Along with Bannister’s rise to the NHL, 26 gamers have skated in video games for each the Thunderbirds and the Blues, together with younger stars Jake Neighbours, Zachary Bolduc, Matthew Kessel, Joel Hofer, Scott Perunovich and Zach Dean.
“That is an thrilling day for each the St. Louis Blues and the Springfield Thunderbirds organizations,” stated Thunderbirds normal supervisor Kevin Maxwell. “This settlement gives stability for our gamers and workers, and it’ll proceed to supply our followers the possibility to determine with our prospects and comply with their careers as they graduate onto the Blues.”
The affiliation extension assures Springfield’s continued tenancy within the American Hockey League, which dates again to 1936.
“The town of Springfield has been a cornerstone of the American Hockey League for greater than 80 years,” stated AHL President and Chief Govt Officer Scott Howson. “Hockey in Springfield has skilled a renaissance because the arrival of the Thunderbirds. Stability with an NHL affiliate is essential for AHL golf equipment, and we’re happy that Springfield’s partnership with the St. Louis Blues will proceed to convey pleasure and leisure to the followers of Western Massachusetts.”
