Don't Edit

Conor Ryan | cryan@masslive.com

What's on Tap

After a brief stretch of uncertainty, AHL hockey is back again in the Pioneer Valley — as the new Springfield Thunderbirds are set to open their 2016-17 campaign on the road this weekend with two matchups against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms and the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.

Live coverage of both road contests can be heard on NewsRadio 560 WHYN, as well as on AHL Live.

In total, the Springfield Thunderbirds will play 76 regular-season games this year — including 52 matchups against fellow Atlantic Division opponents. As a new franchise, this will be the Thunderbirds’ first-ever matchups with both the Phantoms and Tigers.

Schedule:

Saturday, Oct. 15 — 7:05 p.m.: @ Lehigh Valley Phantoms (NewsRadio 560 WHYN)

Sunday, Oct. 16 — 3:00 p.m.: @ Bridgeport Sound Tigers (NewsRadio 560 WHYN)

(David Molnar / The Republican)

Don't Edit

Conor Ryan | cryan@masslive.com

Looking Back

The Thunderbirds are riding some momentum going into their season opener, as the squad impressed in preseason play — besting both the Providence Bruins and Hartford Wolf Pack by a combined score of 5-1 at the MassMutual Center.

Springfield gutted out a win in their first matchup against Providence on Oct. 7 — erasing a 1-0 Bruins lead in the second period off of a goal from Rihards Bukarts before sealing the 2-1 victory in overtime thanks to a one-time blast from Michael Downing.

Despite entering the third period in a 0-0 deadlock, the Thunderbirds took care of business in their final preseason tilt against Hartford on Oct. 8 — outshooting the Wolf Pack by a 16-2 margin and tallying a trio of goals en route to a 3-0 victory. Graham Black, Logan Shaw and Ryan Horvat all lit the lamp for Springfield in the victory.

(David Molnar / The Republican)

Don't Edit

Conor Ryan | cryan@masslive.com

Players to Watch

While the Thunderbirds have considerable depth in net, veteran goaltender Mike McKenna should be Springfield's go-to option to start the season. The 33-year-old McKenna was a thorn in the side of the Wolf Pack on Oct. 8 — stopping 19 shots as part of a shutout performance. McKenna is no stranger to Springfield, as he played for the Falcons during the 2013-14 season.

Opposing defenses will need to keep tabs on Thunderbirds center Jayce Hawryluk this season, as the 20-year-old forward should rack up his fair share of points in his first AHL campaign. Selected by the Florida Panthers with the 32nd overall pick of the 2014 NHL Draft, Hawryluk is coming off a dominant 2015-16 season with the Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL) in which he scored 106 points (47 goals, 59 assists) in just 58 games.

(Annie Maroon / Masslive)

Don't Edit

Conor Ryan | cryan@masslive.com

The Matchups

Lehigh Valley Phantoms: The Phantoms are looking to improve on a lackluster campaign in 2015-16, as the team finished 12th overall in the Eastern Conference standings with a 34-35-4 record. Lehigh Valley will be led by veteran winger Chris Conner, who paced the team last season with 55 points in 58 games.

Bridgeport Sound Tigers: Bridgeport was solid last season, finishing fifth overall in the Atlantic Division with a 40-29-4 record. The Tigers recently added a seasoned NHL talent, inking former Devils forward Stephen Gionta to a one-year contract Wednesday. Gionta, 33, played in 270 games with New Jersey from 2010-16 — recording 50 points and 93 penalty minutes during that stretch.

(Frederick Gore Photo)

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Conor Ryan | cryan@masslive.com

The Road Ahead

Following their season-opening weekend, the Thunderbirds will play one more road matchup on Friday, Oct. 21, against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins before returning home to the MassMutual Center for their home opener against the St. John’s IceCaps on Saturday, Oct. 22, at 7:05 p.m.

Prior to the Thunderbirds’ home opener, the team will hold a T-Birds Tailgate from 4-6 p.m. at Court Square — adjacent to the MassMutual Center. The celebration will begin with a live musical performance from Briefcase Full of Blues, in addition to available food and refreshments, compliments of Student Prince and Nadim’s. $3 draft beers will be served for the duration of the pregame festivities.

Following the conclusion of the Thunderbirds-Ice Caps game, the special evening continues, as the Thunderbirds will host a post-game party at The Shops at Marketplace (1341 Main Street, rear), directly across from the MassMutual Center and Bruce Landon Way. Food and refreshments will be served, in addition to there being musical entertainment from Jake Manzi.

(Frederick Gore Photo)