Springfield Thunderbirds Tickets Promo Code

Springfield Thunderbirds Tickets

The Springfield Thunderbirds are an American professional ice hockey team based in Springfield, Massachusetts. The team was founded in 2016 and plays in the American Hockey League (AHL), which is the top-tier minor league affiliate of the National Hockey League (NHL). The Thunderbirds play their home games at the MassMutual Center in Springfield.

History of Springfield Thunderbirds

The Springfield Thunderbirds franchise was established in 2016, after the previous Springfield AHL team, the Springfield Falcons, were moved to Tucson, Arizona. The Thunderbirds were introduced as the new AHL affiliate of the Florida Panthers, replacing the Panthers’ previous affiliate, the Portland Pirates.

The team’s name, “Thunderbirds,” was chosen through a fan voting contest, which was held to determine the name of the new franchise. The name was inspired by the P-47 Thunderbolt, a World War II fighter aircraft that was manufactured in Springfield.

Inaugural Season and Beyond

The Springfield Thunderbirds played their first game on October 15, 2016, against the Leigh Valley Phantoms. In their inaugural season, the Thunderbirds finished with a record of 32-33-9, missing the playoffs. They made it to the postseason for the first time in the 2021-2022 season and went all the way to the Calder Cup Finals where they lost to the Chicago Wolves. It was still a pretty memorable campaign for the Thunderbirds as it resulted in their first conference title.

The Thunderbirds have a strong following of fans, who come out to support the team during home games. The MassMutual Center, the team’s home rink, provides a great atmosphere for the games, with its lively crowd, interactive fan experiences, and state-of-the-art facilities.

Players and Coaches

The Springfield Thunderbirds have had many talented players and coaches throughout their history. Some of the most notable players who have passed through the team include Jayce Hawryluk, Henrik Borgström, and Samuel Montembeault. These players have gone on to have successful careers in the NHL.

Affiliation with the Florida Panthers

The Springfield Thunderbirds are the primary development team for the Florida Panthers, one of the 31 teams in the NHL. The affiliation between the two teams has been beneficial for both organizations, as it allows the Panthers to bring up young players to the NHL and get them valuable experience playing against professional players.

As part of the affiliation, the Florida Panthers provide the Thunderbirds with players, coaching staff, and resources, while the Thunderbirds provide the Panthers with a place for their prospects to develop and grow. This relationship allows the Thunderbirds to remain competitive and gives the Panthers the opportunity to develop their young players in a winning environment.

Community Outreach

The Springfield Thunderbirds are more than just a hockey team, they are an important part of the community. The team is active in giving back to the community, participating in various charitable events and initiatives throughout the year. The Thunderbirds also partner with local organizations to support their initiatives, such as promoting health and wellness, supporting local schools, and helping those in need.

One of the most notable community outreach initiatives that the Thunderbirds have been involved in is the “Thunderbirds Community Heroes” program. Through this program, the team recognizes and honors local heroes who have made a positive impact in the community. The Thunderbirds also donate a portion of ticket sales from select games to local non-profit organizations.