Springfield Falcons
Encyclopedia
The Springfield Falcons are an ice hockey
team in the American Hockey League
(AHL). They play in Springfield, Massachusetts
, at the MassMutual Center
and are the top affiliate of the Columbus Blue Jackets
of the National Hockey League
. The Falcons' two main rivals are the Connecticut Whale and the Providence Bruins
. Their mascot is a falcon named Screech. On March 25, 2010, the Falcons announced that they will be the AHL affiliate for the Columbus Blue Jackets beginning with the 2010-11 AHL season, It is a one-year affiliation agreement with a one-year option. That option was picked up on December 21, 2010.
team was sold to interests that moved the franchise to Worcester, Massachusetts
, to become the Worcester IceCats
(now the Peoria Rivermen
). Ex-Indian players Bruce Landon
, then the general manager of the Indians, and Wayne LaChance, a local rink owner, secured an expansion franchise for Springfield for the 1995 season
. The Indians name was still under trademark, so the new owners named the team after Andy and Amelia, a pair of nesting peregrine falcon
s that was a popular local civic symbol. The Falcons secured affiliation with both the Hartford Whalers
and the Winnipeg Jets of the NHL, keeping continuity with the Whalers' affiliation of the previous few years. Veteran defenseman John Stevens (who shared the co-captaincy that first year with Rob Murray
and the last captain of the Indians) scored the franchise's first goal.
Among the Falcons' notable players have included Jean-Guy Trudel
, the franchise's leading career goal and point scorer; Daniel Briere of the Philadelphia Flyers
; Karri Ramo
, the former Tampa Bay Lightning
goaltender; Jordan Eberle
, the standout rookie for the Edmonton Oilers
; Manny Legace
, the franchise's all-time leading goaltender and former St. Louis Blues starter; Nikolai Khabibulin
, former Stanley Cup winning goalie also played 23 games with Springfield; and Rob Murray
, the franchise's long-time captain and inspirational leader, and current head coach of the Providence Bruins
. During the 2004 season
, Springfield fans voted on the Web for the team's 10th Anniversary Team, and selected Briere at center, Trudel at left wing, Tavis Hansen
at right wing, Brad Tiley
and Dan Focht
on defense, and Legace in goal.
Individual honors won by Falcons players have included the Baz Bastien Award given to the league's best goaltender (to Legace in 1996 and Scott Langkow
in 1998), Briere winning the Red Garrett Award emblematic of rookie of the year and a nod as First Team All-Star center in 1998, Tiley winning the Eddie Shore Award
for the league's outstanding defenceman in 2000, Trudel winning a Second Team All-Star award in 1999-00, and Charles Linglet
was also named a second-team all star in 2009-10.
The team has finished in first place in its division twice and made the playoffs six times in its seventeen seasons, although only once in the last eleven years. After the Whalers relocated to become the Carolina Hurricanes
, the Falcons were subsequently affiliated exclusively with the Jets, and with their relocated successors, the Phoenix Coyotes
. The team was affiliated with the Tampa Bay Lightning
between 2005
and 2007
.
On March 19, 2007, the team announced that given its ninth straight losing season, it was exercising its option to sever relations with the Tampa Bay Lightning
to become an affiliate to the Edmonton Oilers
, starting in the 2007–08 AHL season
, through the 2009-10 AHL season. The Tampa Bay Lightning became affiliated with the Norfolk Admirals
.
to be the head coach. After posting a .500 record, the Oilers promoted Buchberger to be an assistant coach on the Oilers staff. On June 17, 2008, assistant coach Jeff Truitt was named the team's tenth head coach. He was fired in February 2009, after 50 games, and replaced by former Houston Aeros
coach Rob Daum. The Falcons finished the 2008-09 season with the worst record in the AHL.
On June 23, 2009, Edmonton Oilers
general manager Steve Tambellini
announced that Rob Daum would remain the head coach of the Springfield Falcons through the 2009-10 American Hockey League
season. From November 25 to January 1, the Falcons went on a franchise record 17 game losing streak, recording only 5 points in that span. The Falcons finished the 2009-10 season as the worst team in the AHL once again, and was the only team that did not win 30 games. It marks the seventh consecutive year the Falcons have missed the playoffs.
On February 9, 2010 the Edmonton Oilers announced to sever ties with the Springfield Falcons, and move their affiliation to Oklahoma City
, a decision that had been expected for months.
affiliation for the Falcons will be with the Fort Wayne Komets
.
Rob Riley was named the new head coach of the Falcons on August 3, 2010, replacing Rob Daum. Riley was the former head coach at the United States Military Academy
.
The Falcons opened the 2010–11 AHL season
with a home-and-home matchup against the Providence Bruins
. The Bruins hosted on October 8, 2010 in Providence, and the Falcons hosted on October 9, 2010 in Springfield. To honor the 75th anniversary of the American Hockey League
, each team wore throwback jerseys from 1936. The Bruins wore the jerseys of the Providence Reds
while the Falcons wore the jerseys of the Springfield Indians
. The Falcons won the first game in Providence 5-1, while the Bruins took the following game in Springfield 6-5.
On December 21, 2010 it was announced that the Falcons had been sold from Springfield Pro Hockey, LLC to Falcons Hockey Entertainment, LLC. The majority owner is Charlie Pompea, while Bruce Landon is the minority owner, and will continue to be the president/general manager. Pompea has stated that he intends to keep the Falcons in Springfield, MA. It was also announced that day that the Falcons lease at the MassMutual Center was extended, as well as the affiliation with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
With the formation of the Northeast Division in the AHL, the Falcons are the only team in their division not to be affiliated with an Atlantic Division team in the NHL.
This market was previously home to:
Note: Pos = Position; GP = Games Played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points
Note: Former AHL President Jack Butterfield
and Vice-President Gordie Anziano, longtime Springfield residents, have been honored with banners raised with the retired numbers.
.
Ice hockey
Ice hockey, often referred to as hockey, is a team sport played on ice, in which skaters use wooden or composite sticks to shoot a hard rubber puck into their opponent's net. The game is played between two teams of six players each. Five members of each team skate up and down the ice trying to take...
team in the American Hockey League
American Hockey League
The American Hockey League is a 30-team professional ice hockey league based in the United States and Canada that serves as the primary developmental circuit for the National Hockey League...
(AHL). They play in Springfield, Massachusetts
Springfield, Massachusetts
Springfield is the most populous city in Western New England, and the seat of Hampden County, Massachusetts, United States. Springfield sits on the eastern bank of the Connecticut River near its confluence with three rivers; the western Westfield River, the eastern Chicopee River, and the eastern...
, at the MassMutual Center
MassMutual Center
The MassMutual Center is a multi-purpose arena and convention center, in downtown Springfield, Massachusetts, USA. Built in the city's Metro Center across from Court Square, the facility opened in 1972 as the Springfield Civic Center and was at that time considered to be the largest arena in the...
and are the top affiliate of the Columbus Blue Jackets
Columbus Blue Jackets
The Columbus Blue Jackets are a professional ice hockey team based in Columbus, Ohio, United States. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League...
of the National Hockey League
National Hockey League
The National Hockey League is an unincorporated not-for-profit association which operates a major professional ice hockey league of 30 franchised member clubs, of which 7 are currently located in Canada and 23 in the United States...
. The Falcons' two main rivals are the Connecticut Whale and the Providence Bruins
Providence Bruins
The Providence Bruins are an ice hockey team in the American Hockey League, and are the primary development team for the NHL's Boston Bruins. They play in Providence, Rhode Island at the Dunkin' Donuts Center.-History:...
. Their mascot is a falcon named Screech. On March 25, 2010, the Falcons announced that they will be the AHL affiliate for the Columbus Blue Jackets beginning with the 2010-11 AHL season, It is a one-year affiliation agreement with a one-year option. That option was picked up on December 21, 2010.
History
In 1994, the longtime AHL Springfield IndiansSpringfield Indians
The Springfield Indians were a minor professional ice hockey franchise, originally based in West Springfield, Massachusetts and later Springfield, Massachusetts. The Indians were founding members of the American Hockey League. They were in existence for a total of 60 seasons from 1926 to 1994, with...
team was sold to interests that moved the franchise to Worcester, Massachusetts
Worcester, Massachusetts
Worcester is a city and the county seat of Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. Named after Worcester, England, as of the 2010 Census the city's population is 181,045, making it the second largest city in New England after Boston....
, to become the Worcester IceCats
Worcester IceCats
The Worcester IceCats were an ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. They played in Worcester, Massachusetts, USA at the Worcester Centrum...
(now the Peoria Rivermen
Peoria Rivermen
The Peoria Rivermen are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. They play in Peoria, Illinois, USA at the Carver Arena.-History:...
). Ex-Indian players Bruce Landon
Bruce Landon
Bruce Landon is a retired professional ice hockey goaltender who is the longtime general manager and owner of the Springfield Falcons of the American Hockey League.- Playing career :...
, then the general manager of the Indians, and Wayne LaChance, a local rink owner, secured an expansion franchise for Springfield for the 1995 season
1994–95 AHL season
The 1994–95 AHL season was the 59th season of the American Hockey League. The All-Star Game is revived, with All-Stars grouped into "Team Canada" and "Team USA." Sixteen teams played 80 games each in the schedule...
. The Indians name was still under trademark, so the new owners named the team after Andy and Amelia, a pair of nesting peregrine falcon
Peregrine Falcon
The Peregrine Falcon , also known as the Peregrine, and historically as the Duck Hawk in North America, is a widespread bird of prey in the family Falconidae. A large, crow-sized falcon, it has a blue-gray back, barred white underparts, and a black head and "moustache"...
s that was a popular local civic symbol. The Falcons secured affiliation with both the Hartford Whalers
Hartford Whalers
The Hartford Whalers were a professional ice hockey team based for most of its existence in Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.A.. The club played in the World Hockey Association from 1972–79 and in the National Hockey League from 1979–97...
and the Winnipeg Jets of the NHL, keeping continuity with the Whalers' affiliation of the previous few years. Veteran defenseman John Stevens (who shared the co-captaincy that first year with Rob Murray
Rob Murray
Rob Murray is a former ice hockey player and former head coach of the Providence Bruins from 2008-2011. He is currently the head coach of the Alaska Aces. He played most of his career as captain of the American Hockey League's Springfield Falcons...
and the last captain of the Indians) scored the franchise's first goal.
Jean-Guy Trudel
Jean-Guy Andre Trudel is a professional ice hockey left winger currently playing for ZSC Lions in Switzerland. He was never selected in the NHL Entry Draft because he had quit playing hockey before that. However, he has played five games in the National Hockey League: four for the Phoenix...
, the franchise's leading career goal and point scorer; Daniel Briere of the Philadelphia Flyers
Philadelphia Flyers
The Philadelphia Flyers are a professional ice hockey team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...
; Karri Ramo
Karri Rämö
Karri Rämö is a Finnish professional ice hockey goaltender currently with Avangard Omsk of the Kontinental Hockey League. His contract rights are owned by the Montreal Canadiens and he has also played for the Tampa Bay Lightning of the National Hockey League.-Playing career:Rämö was drafted by the...
, the former Tampa Bay Lightning
Tampa Bay Lightning
The Tampa Bay Lightning are a professional ice hockey team based in Tampa, Florida. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . They have one Stanley Cup championship in their history, in 2003–04. They are often referred to as the...
goaltender; Jordan Eberle
Jordan Eberle
Jordan Ryan Eberle is a Canadian professional ice hockey right winger currently playing for the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League . He was selected in the first round, 22nd overall, in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft...
, the standout rookie for the Edmonton Oilers
Edmonton Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers are a professional ice hockey team based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division in the Western Conference of the National Hockey League ....
; Manny Legace
Manny Legacé
Emmanuel Legace, is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender who is currently playing for the Springfield Falcons of the American Hockey League. He most recently played in the National Hockey League for the Carolina Hurricanes. He has also played in the National Hockey League for the Los...
, the franchise's all-time leading goaltender and former St. Louis Blues starter; Nikolai Khabibulin
Nikolai Khabibulin
Nikolai Ivanovich Khabibulin is a Russian professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League...
, former Stanley Cup winning goalie also played 23 games with Springfield; and Rob Murray
Rob Murray
Rob Murray is a former ice hockey player and former head coach of the Providence Bruins from 2008-2011. He is currently the head coach of the Alaska Aces. He played most of his career as captain of the American Hockey League's Springfield Falcons...
, the franchise's long-time captain and inspirational leader, and current head coach of the Providence Bruins
Providence Bruins
The Providence Bruins are an ice hockey team in the American Hockey League, and are the primary development team for the NHL's Boston Bruins. They play in Providence, Rhode Island at the Dunkin' Donuts Center.-History:...
. During the 2004 season
2003–04 AHL season
The 2003–04 AHL season was the 68th season of the American Hockey League. The league introduces the Willie Marshall Award in honour the career points leader in the AHL, and awards it to the annual top goal scorer....
, Springfield fans voted on the Web for the team's 10th Anniversary Team, and selected Briere at center, Trudel at left wing, Tavis Hansen
Tavis Hansen
Tavis Svend Hansen is a retired professional ice hockey player.Hansen played 2 seasons of junior hockey for the Tacoma Rockets of the Western Hockey League....
at right wing, Brad Tiley
Brad Tiley
Bradley Phillip Tiley is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman.-Playing career:Tiley was drafted 84th overall by the Boston Bruins in the 1991 NHL Entry Draft. He played junior hockey with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds of the Ontario Hockey League...
and Dan Focht
Dan Focht
Dan Focht is a Canadian retired professional ice hockey defenceman. He was drafted by the Phoenix Coyotes in the first round, 11th overall, in the 1996 NHL Entry Draft....
on defense, and Legace in goal.
Scott Langkow
Scott Langkow is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing in Europe with the Krefeld Pinguine of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga.- Playing career :...
in 1998), Briere winning the Red Garrett Award emblematic of rookie of the year and a nod as First Team All-Star center in 1998, Tiley winning the Eddie Shore Award
Eddie Shore Award
The Eddie Shore Award is presented annually to the AHL's best defenceman. The award winner is chosen by AHL media and players. The award is named after Hockey Hall of Fame inductee Eddie Shore.-Winners:-Other Eddie Shore Award:...
for the league's outstanding defenceman in 2000, Trudel winning a Second Team All-Star award in 1999-00, and Charles Linglet
Charles Linglet
Charles Linglet is a Canadian ice hockey left wing currently playing for the Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod of the Kontinental Hockey League...
was also named a second-team all star in 2009-10.
The team has finished in first place in its division twice and made the playoffs six times in its seventeen seasons, although only once in the last eleven years. After the Whalers relocated to become the Carolina Hurricanes
Carolina Hurricanes
The Carolina Hurricanes are a professional ice hockey team based in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League , and play their home games at the 18,680-seat RBC Center...
, the Falcons were subsequently affiliated exclusively with the Jets, and with their relocated successors, the Phoenix Coyotes
Phoenix Coyotes
The Phoenix Coyotes are a professional ice hockey team based in Glendale, Arizona. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They play their home games at Jobing.com Arena....
. The team was affiliated with the Tampa Bay Lightning
Tampa Bay Lightning
The Tampa Bay Lightning are a professional ice hockey team based in Tampa, Florida. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . They have one Stanley Cup championship in their history, in 2003–04. They are often referred to as the...
between 2005
2004–05 AHL season
The 2004–05 AHL season was the 69th season of the American Hockey League. Twenty-eight teams played 80 games each in the schedule. The Rochester Americans finished first overall in the regular season...
and 2007
2006–07 AHL season
The 2006–07 AHL season was the 71st season of the American Hockey League. Twenty-seven teams played 80 games each in the schedule. The Hamilton Bulldogs won their first Calder Cup, defeating the defending champions, the Hershey Bears in the finals....
.
On March 19, 2007, the team announced that given its ninth straight losing season, it was exercising its option to sever relations with the Tampa Bay Lightning
Tampa Bay Lightning
The Tampa Bay Lightning are a professional ice hockey team based in Tampa, Florida. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . They have one Stanley Cup championship in their history, in 2003–04. They are often referred to as the...
to become an affiliate to the Edmonton Oilers
Edmonton Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers are a professional ice hockey team based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division in the Western Conference of the National Hockey League ....
, starting in the 2007–08 AHL season
2007–08 AHL season
The 2007–08 AHL season is the 72nd season of the American Hockey League. Twenty-nine teams played 80 games each in the schedule. The Chicago Wolves won their second Calder Cup, defeating the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in the Calder Cup Final.-Team changes:...
, through the 2009-10 AHL season. The Tampa Bay Lightning became affiliated with the Norfolk Admirals
Norfolk Admirals
The Norfolk Admirals are a minor professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League, and are affiliated with the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Admirals play in Norfolk, Virginia, at the Norfolk Scope.-History:...
.
The Edmonton Oilers Affiliation
On August 3, 2007, the team hired former Edmonton Oilers player Kelly BuchbergerKelly Buchberger
Kelly Michael Buchberger is a retired professional Canadian hockey player and current assistant coach of the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League.-Playing career:...
to be the head coach. After posting a .500 record, the Oilers promoted Buchberger to be an assistant coach on the Oilers staff. On June 17, 2008, assistant coach Jeff Truitt was named the team's tenth head coach. He was fired in February 2009, after 50 games, and replaced by former Houston Aeros
Houston Aeros
The Houston Aeros are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. The team plays in Houston, Texas, at the Toyota Center. They are the AHL affiliate of the NHL's Minnesota Wild.- History :...
coach Rob Daum. The Falcons finished the 2008-09 season with the worst record in the AHL.
On June 23, 2009, Edmonton Oilers
Edmonton Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers are a professional ice hockey team based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division in the Western Conference of the National Hockey League ....
general manager Steve Tambellini
Steve Tambellini
Steven Anthony Tambellini is a former NHL player and is currently the general manager for the Edmonton Oilers hockey franchise in Edmonton, Alberta.-Playing career:...
announced that Rob Daum would remain the head coach of the Springfield Falcons through the 2009-10 American Hockey League
American Hockey League
The American Hockey League is a 30-team professional ice hockey league based in the United States and Canada that serves as the primary developmental circuit for the National Hockey League...
season. From November 25 to January 1, the Falcons went on a franchise record 17 game losing streak, recording only 5 points in that span. The Falcons finished the 2009-10 season as the worst team in the AHL once again, and was the only team that did not win 30 games. It marks the seventh consecutive year the Falcons have missed the playoffs.
On February 9, 2010 the Edmonton Oilers announced to sever ties with the Springfield Falcons, and move their affiliation to Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City Barons
The Oklahoma City Barons are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League, and serve as the top affiliate for the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League. The team's first season was 2010–11. They play their home games at the newly renovated Cox Convention Center, in Oklahoma...
, a decision that had been expected for months.
The Columbus Blue Jackets Affiliation
On March 25, 2010, the Columbus Blue Jackets announced a one-year affiliation agreement with a one-year option. Also introduced was a new jersey and logo. The new logo will still have a falcon holding a hockey stick, but the background will be grey, the word Falcons in red, and the word Springfield in navy blue. The new jerseys will have the Blue Jackets logo on the shoulders, with a white star on each sleeve. The new CHLCHL
-Ice hockey:* Canadian Hockey League , the umbrella organization for Canadian major junior hockey* Central Hockey League, now the Central Canada Hockey League , a Junior A ice hockey league...
affiliation for the Falcons will be with the Fort Wayne Komets
Fort Wayne Komets
The Fort Wayne Komets are a minor league ice hockey franchise currently a member of the Central Hockey League in the Northern Conference. The team was previously a member of the International Hockey League before it merged into the CHL in 2010...
.
Rob Riley was named the new head coach of the Falcons on August 3, 2010, replacing Rob Daum. Riley was the former head coach at the United States Military Academy
United States Military Academy
The United States Military Academy at West Point is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located at West Point, New York. The academy sits on scenic high ground overlooking the Hudson River, north of New York City...
.
The Falcons opened the 2010–11 AHL season
2010–11 AHL season
The 2010–11 AHL season is the 75th season of the American Hockey League. An all-time high of thirty teams will play 80 games each during the regular season schedule, which started on October 8, 2010 and ended on April 10, 2011...
with a home-and-home matchup against the Providence Bruins
Providence Bruins
The Providence Bruins are an ice hockey team in the American Hockey League, and are the primary development team for the NHL's Boston Bruins. They play in Providence, Rhode Island at the Dunkin' Donuts Center.-History:...
. The Bruins hosted on October 8, 2010 in Providence, and the Falcons hosted on October 9, 2010 in Springfield. To honor the 75th anniversary of the American Hockey League
American Hockey League
The American Hockey League is a 30-team professional ice hockey league based in the United States and Canada that serves as the primary developmental circuit for the National Hockey League...
, each team wore throwback jerseys from 1936. The Bruins wore the jerseys of the Providence Reds
Providence Reds
The Providence Reds were a hockey team that played in the Canadian-American Hockey League between 1926–1936 and the American Hockey League from 1936 to 1977, the last season of which they played as the Rhode Island Reds. The team won the Calder Cup in 1938, 1940, 1949, and 1956...
while the Falcons wore the jerseys of the Springfield Indians
Springfield Indians
The Springfield Indians were a minor professional ice hockey franchise, originally based in West Springfield, Massachusetts and later Springfield, Massachusetts. The Indians were founding members of the American Hockey League. They were in existence for a total of 60 seasons from 1926 to 1994, with...
. The Falcons won the first game in Providence 5-1, while the Bruins took the following game in Springfield 6-5.
On December 21, 2010 it was announced that the Falcons had been sold from Springfield Pro Hockey, LLC to Falcons Hockey Entertainment, LLC. The majority owner is Charlie Pompea, while Bruce Landon is the minority owner, and will continue to be the president/general manager. Pompea has stated that he intends to keep the Falcons in Springfield, MA. It was also announced that day that the Falcons lease at the MassMutual Center was extended, as well as the affiliation with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
With the formation of the Northeast Division in the AHL, the Falcons are the only team in their division not to be affiliated with an Atlantic Division team in the NHL.
This market was previously home to:
- Springfield IndiansSpringfield IndiansThe Springfield Indians were a minor professional ice hockey franchise, originally based in West Springfield, Massachusetts and later Springfield, Massachusetts. The Indians were founding members of the American Hockey League. They were in existence for a total of 60 seasons from 1926 to 1994, with...
(1926–1994)
Regular season
| Season | Games | Won | Lost | Tied | OTL | SOL | Points | Goals for | Goals against | Standing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994–95 1994–95 AHL season The 1994–95 AHL season was the 59th season of the American Hockey League. The All-Star Game is revived, with All-Stars grouped into "Team Canada" and "Team USA." Sixteen teams played 80 games each in the schedule... |
80 | 31 | 37 | 12 | — | — | 74 | 269 | 289 | 5th, North |
| 1995–96 1995–96 AHL season The 1995–96 AHL season was the 60th season of the American Hockey League. The AHL expands by two teams and realigns into two conferences, and four divisions. The Northern Conference includes the North and Atlantic Divisions... |
80 | 42 | 22 | 11 | 5 | — | 100 | 272 | 215 | 1st, North |
| 1996–97 1996–97 AHL season The 1996–97 AHL season was the 61st season of the American Hockey League. The league renames its divisions due to relocating teams. The Northern Conferences consists of the Atlantic Division becoming the Canadian Division, and the Central Division becoming the Empire State Division... |
80 | 41 | 25 | 12 | 2 | — | 96 | 268 | 229 | 2nd, New England |
| 1997–98 1997–98 AHL season The 1997–98 AHL season was the 62nd season of the American Hockey League. The AHL shifts teams in their divisions, and the Canadian division reverts to being named Atlantic division. The Northern conference is renamed the Eastern conference, and the Southern conference renamed the Western... |
80 | 45 | 26 | 7 | 2 | — | 99 | 278 | 248 | 1st, New England |
| 1998–99 1998–99 AHL season The 1998–99 AHL season was the 63rd season of the American Hockey League. Nineteen teams played 80 games each in the schedule. The Providence Bruins finished first overall in the regular season, and won their first Calder Cup championship.-Team changes:... |
80 | 35 | 35 | 9 | 1 | — | 80 | 245 | 232 | 3rd, New England |
| 1999–00 | 80 | 33 | 35 | 11 | 1 | — | 78 | 272 | 252 | 4th, New England |
| 2000–01 2000–01 AHL season The 2000–01 AHL season was the 65th season of the American Hockey League. The league realigns its divisions again. The Atlantic division is renamed the Canadian division. The Empire State division is replaced by the South division, with many teams shifting from the Mid-Atlantic division.Twenty... |
80 | 29 | 37 | 8 | 6 | — | 72 | 253 | 280 | 6th, New England |
| 2001–02 2001–02 AHL season The 2001–02 AHL season was the 66th season of the American Hockey League. It was the season of the biggest growth in the AHL's history, as it accepted eight new teams. The demise of the International Hockey League brought six teams transferring from the defunct league, in addition to two expansion... |
80 | 35 | 41 | 2 | 2 | — | 74 | 213 | 237 | 5th, North |
| 2002–03 2002–03 AHL season The 2002–03 AHL season was the 67th season of the American Hockey League. Twenty-eight teams played 80 games each in the schedule. The Hamilton Bulldogs finished first overall in the regular season... |
80 | 34 | 38 | 7 | 1 | — | 76 | 202 | 243 | 4th, East |
| 2003–04 2003–04 AHL season The 2003–04 AHL season was the 68th season of the American Hockey League. The league introduces the Willie Marshall Award in honour the career points leader in the AHL, and awards it to the annual top goal scorer.... |
80 | 26 | 43 | 9 | 2 | — | 63 | 179 | 234 | 7th, Atlantic |
| 2004–05 2004–05 AHL season The 2004–05 AHL season was the 69th season of the American Hockey League. Twenty-eight teams played 80 games each in the schedule. The Rochester Americans finished first overall in the regular season... |
80 | 24 | 47 | — | 3 | 6 | 57 | 161 | 255 | 7th, Atlantic |
| 2005–06 2005–06 AHL season The 2005–06 AHL season was the 70th season of the American Hockey League. Twenty-seven teams played 80 games each in the schedule. The Hershey Bears won the Calder Cup, defeating the Milwaukee Admirals in the finals.... |
80 | 28 | 43 | — | 3 | 6 | 65 | 220 | 312 | 6th, Atlantic |
| 2006–07 2006–07 AHL season The 2006–07 AHL season was the 71st season of the American Hockey League. Twenty-seven teams played 80 games each in the schedule. The Hamilton Bulldogs won their first Calder Cup, defeating the defending champions, the Hershey Bears in the finals.... |
80 | 28 | 49 | — | 1 | 2 | 59 | 181 | 268 | 7th, Atlantic |
| 2007–08 2007–08 AHL season The 2007–08 AHL season is the 72nd season of the American Hockey League. Twenty-nine teams played 80 games each in the schedule. The Chicago Wolves won their second Calder Cup, defeating the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in the Calder Cup Final.-Team changes:... |
80 | 35 | 35 | — | 5 | 5 | 80 | 214 | 257 | 5th, Atlantic |
| 2008–09 2008–09 AHL season The 2008–09 AHL season is the 73rd season of the American Hockey League. 29 teams each played 80 games in the regular season, which ran from October 8 until April 12.-Team and NHL affiliation changes:... |
80 | 24 | 44 | — | 8 | 4 | 60 | 188 | 258 | 7th, Atlantic |
| 2009–10 2009–10 AHL season The 2009–10 AHL season was the 74th season of the American Hockey League. Twenty-nine teams played 80 regular-season games each from October 2 to April 11... |
80 | 25 | 39 | — | 12 | 4 | 66 | 207 | 296 | 8th, Atlantic |
| 2010–11 2010–11 AHL season The 2010–11 AHL season is the 75th season of the American Hockey League. An all-time high of thirty teams will play 80 games each during the regular season schedule, which started on October 8, 2010 and ended on April 10, 2011... |
80 | 35 | 40 | — | 2 | 3 | 75 | 232 | 253 | 6th, Atlantic |
| 2011–12 2011–12 AHL season The 2011–12 AHL season will be the 76th season of the American Hockey League. The regular season began on October 7, 2011 and is scheduled to conclude on April 15, 2012. The 2012 Calder Cup playoffs will follow the conclusion of the regular season.... |
18 | 10 | 8 | — | 0 | 0 | 20 | 56 | 52 | Season in Progress |
Playoffs
| Season | Prelim | 1st round | 2nd round | 3rd round | Finals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994–95 1994–95 AHL season The 1994–95 AHL season was the 59th season of the American Hockey League. The All-Star Game is revived, with All-Stars grouped into "Team Canada" and "Team USA." Sixteen teams played 80 games each in the schedule... |
Out of Playoffs | ||||
| 1995–96 1995–96 AHL season The 1995–96 AHL season was the 60th season of the American Hockey League. The AHL expands by two teams and realigns into two conferences, and four divisions. The Northern Conference includes the North and Atlantic Divisions... |
— | W, 3–1, PROV Providence Bruins The Providence Bruins are an ice hockey team in the American Hockey League, and are the primary development team for the NHL's Boston Bruins. They play in Providence, Rhode Island at the Dunkin' Donuts Center.-History:... |
L, 2–4, PORT Portland Pirates The Portland Pirates is a minor professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. They are the top affiliate of the Phoenix Coyotes of the National Hockey League. They play in the Cumberland County Civic Center in downtown Portland, Maine. The franchise was previously known as the... |
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| 1996–97 1996–97 AHL season The 1996–97 AHL season was the 61st season of the American Hockey League. The league renames its divisions due to relocating teams. The Northern Conferences consists of the Atlantic Division becoming the Canadian Division, and the Central Division becoming the Empire State Division... |
— | W, 3–2, PORT Portland Pirates The Portland Pirates is a minor professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. They are the top affiliate of the Phoenix Coyotes of the National Hockey League. They play in the Cumberland County Civic Center in downtown Portland, Maine. The franchise was previously known as the... |
W, 4–1, PROV Providence Bruins The Providence Bruins are an ice hockey team in the American Hockey League, and are the primary development team for the NHL's Boston Bruins. They play in Providence, Rhode Island at the Dunkin' Donuts Center.-History:... |
L, 3–4, HER Hershey Bears The Hershey Bears Hockey Club is a professional ice hockey team playing in the American Hockey League, and is currently the top affiliate of the NHL Washington Capitals. The hockey club is based in the unincorporated town of Hershey, Pennsylvania, located within Derry Township some 14 miles east of... |
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| 1997–98 1997–98 AHL season The 1997–98 AHL season was the 62nd season of the American Hockey League. The AHL shifts teams in their divisions, and the Canadian division reverts to being named Atlantic division. The Northern conference is renamed the Eastern conference, and the Southern conference renamed the Western... |
— | L, 1–3, WOR Worcester IceCats The Worcester IceCats were an ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. They played in Worcester, Massachusetts, USA at the Worcester Centrum... |
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| 1998–99 1998–99 AHL season The 1998–99 AHL season was the 63rd season of the American Hockey League. Nineteen teams played 80 games each in the schedule. The Providence Bruins finished first overall in the regular season, and won their first Calder Cup championship.-Team changes:... |
— | L, 0–3, HART | — | — | — |
| 1999–00 | — | L, 2–3, HART | — | — | — |
| 2000–01 2000–01 AHL season The 2000–01 AHL season was the 65th season of the American Hockey League. The league realigns its divisions again. The Atlantic division is renamed the Canadian division. The Empire State division is replaced by the South division, with many teams shifting from the Mid-Atlantic division.Twenty... |
Out of Playoffs | ||||
| 2001–02 2001–02 AHL season The 2001–02 AHL season was the 66th season of the American Hockey League. It was the season of the biggest growth in the AHL's history, as it accepted eight new teams. The demise of the International Hockey League brought six teams transferring from the defunct league, in addition to two expansion... |
Out of Playoffs | ||||
| 2002–03 2002–03 AHL season The 2002–03 AHL season was the 67th season of the American Hockey League. Twenty-eight teams played 80 games each in the schedule. The Hamilton Bulldogs finished first overall in the regular season... |
W, 2–0, HART | L, 1–3, HAM Hamilton Bulldogs The Hamilton Bulldogs are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. They play in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, at Copps Coliseum, nicknamed 'The Dog Pound'. They are the AHL affiliate of the NHL's Montreal Canadiens... |
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| 2003–04 2003–04 AHL season The 2003–04 AHL season was the 68th season of the American Hockey League. The league introduces the Willie Marshall Award in honour the career points leader in the AHL, and awards it to the annual top goal scorer.... |
Out of Playoffs | ||||
| 2004–05 2004–05 AHL season The 2004–05 AHL season was the 69th season of the American Hockey League. Twenty-eight teams played 80 games each in the schedule. The Rochester Americans finished first overall in the regular season... |
Out of Playoffs | ||||
| 2005–06 2005–06 AHL season The 2005–06 AHL season was the 70th season of the American Hockey League. Twenty-seven teams played 80 games each in the schedule. The Hershey Bears won the Calder Cup, defeating the Milwaukee Admirals in the finals.... |
Out of Playoffs | ||||
| 2006–07 2006–07 AHL season The 2006–07 AHL season was the 71st season of the American Hockey League. Twenty-seven teams played 80 games each in the schedule. The Hamilton Bulldogs won their first Calder Cup, defeating the defending champions, the Hershey Bears in the finals.... |
Out of Playoffs | ||||
| 2007–08 2007–08 AHL season The 2007–08 AHL season is the 72nd season of the American Hockey League. Twenty-nine teams played 80 games each in the schedule. The Chicago Wolves won their second Calder Cup, defeating the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in the Calder Cup Final.-Team changes:... |
Out of Playoffs | ||||
| 2008–09 2008–09 AHL season The 2008–09 AHL season is the 73rd season of the American Hockey League. 29 teams each played 80 games in the regular season, which ran from October 8 until April 12.-Team and NHL affiliation changes:... |
Out of Playoffs | ||||
| 2009–10 2009–10 AHL season The 2009–10 AHL season was the 74th season of the American Hockey League. Twenty-nine teams played 80 regular-season games each from October 2 to April 11... |
Out of Playoffs | ||||
| 2010–11 2010–11 AHL season The 2010–11 AHL season is the 75th season of the American Hockey League. An all-time high of thirty teams will play 80 games each during the regular season schedule, which started on October 8, 2010 and ended on April 10, 2011... |
Out of Playoffs | ||||
Single season
- Goals: 39
John LeBlancJohn LeBlancJohn Glenn LeBlanc is a Canadian former professional ice hockey left winger. He played 83 games in the National Hockey League with the Vancouver Canucks, Edmonton Oilers, and Winnipeg Jets...
(1994–95) - Assists: 65 Jean-Guy TrudelJean-Guy TrudelJean-Guy Andre Trudel is a professional ice hockey left winger currently playing for ZSC Lions in Switzerland. He was never selected in the NHL Entry Draft because he had quit playing hockey before that. However, he has played five games in the National Hockey League: four for the Phoenix...
(2000–01) - Points: 99 Jean-Guy Trudel (2000–01)
- Penalty Minutes: 373 Rob MurrayRob MurrayRob Murray is a former ice hockey player and former head coach of the Providence Bruins from 2008-2011. He is currently the head coach of the Alaska Aces. He played most of his career as captain of the American Hockey League's Springfield Falcons...
(1994–95) - Appearances by a Goalie: 62 Devan DubnykDevan DubnykDevan Dubnyk is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League . He was drafted by the Oilers in the first round of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft....
(2008-09) - GAA: 2.27 Manny LegacéManny LegacéEmmanuel Legace, is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender who is currently playing for the Springfield Falcons of the American Hockey League. He most recently played in the National Hockey League for the Carolina Hurricanes. He has also played in the National Hockey League for the Los...
(1995–96) - SV%: .922
Jean-Marc PelletierJean-Marc PelletierJean-Marc Pelletier is an American-born, Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender who is currently a Free Agent. He last played with the Hamburg Freezers of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga...
(2003–04)
Career
These are the top ten scorers in Falcons' history.Note: Pos = Position; GP = Games Played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points
| Player | Pos | GP | G | A | Pts |
| Jean-Guy Trudel Jean-Guy Trudel Jean-Guy Andre Trudel is a professional ice hockey left winger currently playing for ZSC Lions in Switzerland. He was never selected in the NHL Entry Draft because he had quit playing hockey before that. However, he has played five games in the National Hockey League: four for the Phoenix... |
LW | 228 | 90 | 152 | 242 |
| Rob Murray Rob Murray Rob Murray is a former ice hockey player and former head coach of the Providence Bruins from 2008-2011. He is currently the head coach of the Alaska Aces. He played most of his career as captain of the American Hockey League's Springfield Falcons... |
RW | 501 | 61 | 157 | 218 |
| Daniel Briere Daniel Brière Daniel "Danny" Brière is a French Canadian professional ice hockey centre and an alternate captain for the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League . He has previously played with the Phoenix Coyotes and Buffalo Sabres... |
RW | 169 | 88 | 129 | 217 |
| Jason Jaspers Jason Jaspers Jason Jaspers is a professional ice hockey centre who is currently playing for Kölner Haie of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga.-Playin career:... |
C | 317 | 86 | 114 | 200 |
| Brad Tiley Brad Tiley Bradley Phillip Tiley is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman.-Playing career:Tiley was drafted 84th overall by the Boston Bruins in the 1991 NHL Entry Draft. He played junior hockey with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds of the Ontario Hockey League... |
D | 239 | 33 | 130 | 163 |
| Tavis Hansen Tavis Hansen Tavis Svend Hansen is a retired professional ice hockey player.Hansen played 2 seasons of junior hockey for the Tacoma Rockets of the Western Hockey League.... |
C | 298 | 79 | 79 | 158 |
| Eric Healey Eric Healey Eric Healey is a professional American ice hockey player who is currently a Free Agent. He most recently played with EHC Black Wings Linz of the Austrian EBEL and has formerly played in the National Hockey League with the Boston Bruins.-Playing career:Undrafted, Healey was a product of the ECAC's... |
LW | 178 | 57 | 80 | 137 |
| Jason McBain Jason McBain Jason D. McBain is a former ice hockey defenceman. He was born in Ilion, New York and raised in Kimberley, British Columbia.... |
D | 208 | 35 | 87 | 122 |
| Rob Schremp Rob Schremp Robert Schremp is an American professional ice hockey center currently playing for Modo Hockey of the Elitserien . He was drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in the first round of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft and has spent time with the New York Islanders and Atlanta Thrashers organizations more... |
F | 147 | 30 | 88 | 118 |
| Scott Levins Scott Levins Scott M. Levins is an American former professional ice hockey player.-Playing career:... |
LW | 147 | 52 | 62 | 114 |
- Career Penalty Minutes: 1529 Rob Murray
- Career Goaltending Wins: 63 Scott LangkowScott LangkowScott Langkow is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing in Europe with the Krefeld Pinguine of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga.- Playing career :...
- Career Shutouts: 8 Manny Legacé
- Career Games: 501 Rob Murray
Single game
- Goals: 4 Jean-Guy Trudel, Daniel BriereDaniel BrièreDaniel "Danny" Brière is a French Canadian professional ice hockey centre and an alternate captain for the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League . He has previously played with the Phoenix Coyotes and Buffalo Sabres...
, Grant Potulny, Chad WisemanChad WisemanChad Wiseman is a Canadian ice hockey left winger who currently plays for Albany Devils in the American Hockey League.Wiseman was drafted 246th overall by the San Jose Sharks in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft... - Points: 6 Chad WisemanChad WisemanChad Wiseman is a Canadian ice hockey left winger who currently plays for Albany Devils in the American Hockey League.Wiseman was drafted 246th overall by the San Jose Sharks in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft...
Retired numbers
-
- 2: Eddie ShoreEddie ShoreEdward William Shore was a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman, principally for the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League, and the longtime owner of the Springfield Indians of the American Hockey League, iconic for his toughness and defensive skill.Shore won the Hart Trophy as the...
- 23: Rob MurrayRob MurrayRob Murray is a former ice hockey player and former head coach of the Providence Bruins from 2008-2011. He is currently the head coach of the Alaska Aces. He played most of his career as captain of the American Hockey League's Springfield Falcons...
- 2: Eddie Shore
Note: Former AHL President Jack Butterfield
Jack Butterfield
Jack Butterfield was a professional ice hockey administrator and the long-time president of the American Hockey League, serving the longest tenure of any AHL executive...
and Vice-President Gordie Anziano, longtime Springfield residents, have been honored with banners raised with the retired numbers.
Notable NHL alumni
List of Springfield Falcons alumni who played more than 100 games in Springfield and 100 or more games in the National Hockey LeagueNational Hockey League
The National Hockey League is an unincorporated not-for-profit association which operates a major professional ice hockey league of 30 franchised member clubs, of which 7 are currently located in Canada and 23 in the United States...
.
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List of team captains
John Stevens, Rob MurrayRob Murray Rob Murray is a former ice hockey player and former head coach of the Providence Bruins from 2008-2011. He is currently the head coach of the Alaska Aces. He played most of his career as captain of the American Hockey League's Springfield Falcons... (co-captains) 1994-1996 Rob Murray Rob Murray Rob Murray is a former ice hockey player and former head coach of the Providence Bruins from 2008-2011. He is currently the head coach of the Alaska Aces. He played most of his career as captain of the American Hockey League's Springfield Falcons... 1996-99 Tavis Hansen Tavis Hansen Tavis Svend Hansen is a retired professional ice hockey player.Hansen played 2 seasons of junior hockey for the Tacoma Rockets of the Western Hockey League.... 1999-01 Jean-Guy Trudel Jean-Guy Trudel Jean-Guy Andre Trudel is a professional ice hockey left winger currently playing for ZSC Lions in Switzerland. He was never selected in the NHL Entry Draft because he had quit playing hockey before that. However, he has played five games in the National Hockey League: four for the Phoenix... 2001-02 Rob Murray Rob Murray Rob Murray is a former ice hockey player and former head coach of the Providence Bruins from 2008-2011. He is currently the head coach of the Alaska Aces. He played most of his career as captain of the American Hockey League's Springfield Falcons... 2003 Shane Willis Shane Willis Shane Willis is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey right winger.- Career :Willis was originally drafted by Tampa Bay 56th overall in the 1995 NHL Entry Draft, but unable to come to terms, he re-entered the draft and was selected 88th overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 1997 NHL Entry... 2005 Norm Milley Norm Milley Norman Milley is a professional ice hockey right winger who currently plays for Grizzly Adams Wolfsburg of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga .-Playing career:... 2007 Rick Berry Rick Berry Rick Berry is a retired Canadian ice hockey defenceman who played in the NHL with the Colorado Avalanche, Pittsburgh Penguins and the Washington Capitals... 2008 Tim Sestito Tim Sestito Tim Sestito is an American professional Ice Hockey player currently with the Albany Devils of the American Hockey League while under contract to the New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League... 2009 Dean Arsene Dean Arsene Dean Arsene is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman, currently under a two-way contract with the National Hockey League's Phoenix Coyotes. He is the captain of the Coyotes AHL affiliate Portland Pirates.-Playing career:... 2010 Ben Guite Ben Guite Ben Guite is a Canadian ice hockey forward who is under contract with the San Jose Sharks in the National Hockey League . He is the son of former WHAer Pierre Guite.- Playing career :... 2011 |