SPRINGFIELD, Mass. … I The Springfield Thunderbirds again Louis Blues announced the extension of their partnership agreement through the 2030-31 season. The deal also cements the American Hockey League’s long-term future in Springfield, one of the league’s charter cities.
“We are excited to continue our long-term and highly beneficial relationship with the St. Louis Blues,” said the Thunderbirds President. Nathan Costa. “The Blues and Thunderbirds share the same core values regarding player and staff development and maintaining a deep commitment to their communities. Our partnership has helped us grow our franchise both on the ice and across the region. We look forward to seeing the next generation of Blues stars hone their skills in Springfield in front of the traveling fans ahead of the AHL.”
In the first three seasons as the Blues’ AHL affiliate, the Thunderbirds have found great success on and off the ice. In 2022, the team captured the Richard F. Canning Trophy as Eastern Conference champions, reaching the Calder Cup Finals for the first time in team history. The T-Birds received the American Hockey League’s President’s Award that same year.
The team built on its success last season, posting a record 20 game shutout, including a 14-game hitting streak to end the campaign. The 2023-24 season also marked the T-Birds’ eighth consecutive season of growth in attendance (6,321 fans per game).
Since the start of the partnership, the Blues have also promoted several Springfield staff to the parent club in St. Most notably, Drew Bannister became the first Thunderbirds coach to receive a promotion to the NHL bench when he was named head coach of the Blues on May 8.
“Springfield provides a first-class environment for players in the Blues organization to develop and come off the ice and continue their progress toward the NHL in a well-established, supportive market with strong, experienced leadership,” said the Blues assistant general manager. Ryan Miller.
In addition to Bannister’s rise to the NHL, 26 players have skated in games for both the Thunderbirds and Blues, including young stars. Jake Neighbors, Zachary Bolduc, Matthew Kessel, Joel Hofer, Scott Perunovich again Zach Dean.
“This is an exciting day for both St. Louis Blues and the Springfield Thunderbirds,” said the general manager of the Thunderbirds. Kevin Maxwell. “This agreement provides stability for our players and staff, and will continue to give our supporters the opportunity to identify our prospects and follow their careers as they graduate to the Blues.”
The partnership extension ensures Springfield’s continued employment in the American Hockey League, which dates back to 1936.
“The city of Springfield has been a cornerstone of the American Hockey League for over 80 years,” said AHL President and CEO. Scott Howson. “Hockey in Springfield has been revitalized since the arrival of the Thunderbirds. Staying with an NHL affiliate is very important to AHL clubs, and we are pleased that Springfield’s relationship with St. Louis Blues will continue to bring joy and entertainment to fans in Western Massachusetts.”
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