Home / Sports / Thunderbirds Home Opener: Puck Drops Saturday!
Thunderbirds Home Opener: Puck Drops Saturday!
9 Oct
Summary
- Thunderbirds start season with two wins, seeking home crowd support.
- Coach emphasizes higher expectations and maximizing team potential.
- Block party and player meet-and-greet precede Saturday's game.
The Springfield Thunderbirds are officially bringing hockey back to downtown Springfield with their regular-season home opener this Saturday at the MassMutual Center. The team arrives with an early 2-0 record, looking to capitalize on the momentum from their successful Calder Cup Playoff run last season, where they finished fifth overall.
Head coach Steve Ott conveyed the team's eagerness to perform for their home crowd, stating, "The team is very excited to play in front of our crowd." He also noted that the team has "set the bar a little bit higher" for this season, emphasizing their depth and potential. President Nate Costa shared the goal of avoiding last year's challenging start and engaging fans early.
To celebrate the return of hockey, fans can enjoy a block party on The Landing from 3 to 5 p.m., including a red carpet event from 3 to 4 p.m. where players will arrive, offering a chance for autographs and interaction. Fans are encouraged to arrive early for team introductions and pre-game festivities before the 6:05 p.m. puck drop against the Laval Rocket. Costa described this year's team as the best he has seen on paper since the 2021-22 season.
