A crowd gathered on Friday in the upper lobby of the MassMutual Convention Center, where the president of the Springfield Thunderbirds Hockey team, Nathan Costa, announced the team's affiliation with the Saint Louis Blues would be extended for another seven years, through the end of the 2030-31 season.
"This partnership between the Thunderbirds and the Blues has been incredibly fruitful — one that has brought tremendous success both on and off the ice,” Costa said.
During the event, the American Hockey League also announced plans to keep its headquarters in Springfield. The AHL has been located in the city for the last 58 years.
“The AHL in Springfield are synonymous, and we belong here. And we're delighted to call Springfield home,” said Scott Howson, the president of the AHL.
Howson also said he believes the relationship between the Thunderbirds and Blues is smooth and seamless.
Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno enthusiastically addressed the crowd, saying, “Lets Go T-Birds!”
Sarno told stories about attending past games and how he has a good feeling about the team's potential this year. He noted the sold-out crowds add to the experience.
The mayor credited Costa and his staff for the team's growth.
"They've gone through some difficult times," he said. "What they have done with this, not only for great professional hockey on the ice, but what they've done for the community, for the economy, for the city of Springfield psyche, for western Massachusetts and beyond — thank you for your belief and investment in the city of Springfield," he said.
The Thunderbirds start their regular season next weekend.