Since 1969, Bruce Landon has been involved with hockey in the city of Springfield in some fashion. After playing goalie with the Kings and Indians franchise, and moving into management roles with the team through the mid-90s, Landon's influential status as a member of the front office with the Springfield Falcons came to an end on April 27.

With the sale of the franchise from the Pompea family to an Arizona-based group, Landon informed the group that he was stepping down from his position with the Falcons on Wednesday afternoon. He announced his retirement to the public via Facebook.

Bruce Landon's retirement via Facebook on Wednesday, April 27.

"The end to my career with the Springfield Falcons ended today after talking with owner Charlie Pompea," Landon said in a phone interview Wednesday night. "I just decided to announce my retirement because, for all intents and purposes, I'm speculating because I think the vote will go through, that the team will be moved.

"Basically there is no job for me so I wanted to announce my retirement so people would know what I'm up to. I doesn't mean that I'm not still sort of working behind the scenes to see what we can do to keep hockey in Springfield, but as far as officially working, I'm unemployed. Or retired, instead of unemployed."

Landon's role with the club has evolved over the years, after he spearheaded an effort to bring professional hockey back to the Pioneer Valley after the Indians were moved to Worcester in 1994. After securing an expansion franchise with an investment group for the Falcons, Landon has served in various roles with the Falcons, serving most recently as the Director of Hockey Operations.

But even as rumors began circulating that the Falcons might be headed out west to be closer to their parent club, the Arizona Coyotes, Landon was surprised when the deal was announced last week.

"It was a surprise to me," he said. "I certainly know Charlie wasn't happy with attendance and some other things. But it was a bit of a surprise when he told me that he sold the franchise. Absolutely."

But despite the decision, Landon holds no grudge or ill will toward the Pompea family. After years of struggling attendance, and a lengthy trip between the NHL and AHL clubs, a business decision that benefitted the Coyotes made sense.

"Mr. Pompea has gone on record as saying that he's a business man and he was disappointed because attendance wasn't where it needed to be," Landon said. "And so he made a business decision. I said it very publicly before that I don't hold any animosity toward Charlie at all. He made a business decision and I respect that and we move on."

As for whats to come for the city and professional hockey, Landon is unsure of what the next step will be. The days of purchasing an expansion franchise are gone in the AHL, and with most NHL teams looking to have their minor league affiliate nearby, it looks to be an uphill battle.

In the event that Springfield is able to secure another professional franchise, Landon isn't ruling out an opportunity to work with that team in some role.

"If it makes some sense to me and my family, if I'm still involved in some things behind the scenes to see what we can do," he said. "But I'm 66 years old now and I've had a good run. But, if something can happen to develop and I can be a part of it, absolutely."

In 22 years, the Falcons produced eight playoff appearances and reached the Eastern Conference Finals in 1996-97. Springfield snapped an 11-year playoff drought with back-to-back playoff berths in 2012 and 2013, but missed the playoffs the last two seasons.

Cam Atkinson, Daniel Briere, Shane Doan and Devyn Dubnyk were among some of the notable alumni to reach the NHL after stints in Springfield, but Landon recalled more than just the players in his time with the Falcons that he was proud of.

"We had some great years, we had some great years," Landon said. "We had some years that the team was successful on the ice. I'm disappointed we didn't win a championship but we had some successful years on the ice. We had some fun. We did a lot of great things in the community, a lot of great things that I'm proud of.

"We've moved a lot of players through here to the National Hockey League which I'm proud of too. I'm proud of the fact that we moved some staff members along as well which I'm proud of. I think we've played an important role in the city of Springfield as well. I'm very proud of the 22 years that the Falcons have been in existence here. It's something I started in 94, and it pulls at my heartstrings to see it end, but it is what it is and we move on."

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