Sunshine In Springfield

It’s November in Springfield Massachusetts; Where the city calls home to the AHL’s Thunderbirds.

A Thunderbirds Team that is flying high heading into the 2018-2019 EHE Season.  Cruising through two preseason wins, scoring a combined 11 goals.

Times haven’t always been compelling however.  The position of EHE AHL affiliate for The New Jersey Devils has certainly not ever been one of great solidity.

The Devils farm team has been moved 3 times in the last 4 years. The Thunderbirds are in their 2nd season as New Jersey’s Affiliate.  Between 4 seasons in the EHE,  The Thunderbirds have qualified for the playoffs just once.  Losing all 3 games in a 2015-2016 series sweep.

The 2018 Off Season brought significant changes to The Devils organization.  The Thunderbirds have only 4 returning players for the 2018-2019 EHE Season as a result.  Interestingly enough, Springfield has overseen an even greater roster turnover than their parent team in Jersey. 

Here’s a look at the Depth Chart heading into the 2018-2019 Season.

(61)Zolniercyk  (61)Tynan        (61)Appleton 
(60)Hyka           (60)Mittelstadt (60)Merkley 
(60)Matteau     (60)White “C”   (60)Aube-Kubel
(59)Dube          (59)Borgstrom  (60)Baptiste
(58)Louis         (57)Frederic      (58)Sikura
                                                   (55)Jasek
(60)Mermis     (61)Trotman 
(60)Palmquist (60)Regner
(59)Wolanin    (60)Pardy “A”
(59Brisebois   (59)Myers 
                         (58)Foote

(68)Coreau
(67)Comrie
(61)Cowley

While times are tough in New Jersey, the T-Birds will look to be a bright spot for The Devils organization

With an abundance of developing Prospects in the organization, Springfield will should continue to improve.  Forwards Sheldon Rempal and Alex Barre-Boulet, (both AHL eligible for the 2019-2020 Season) will help the cause.

This Season, it’s playoffs or bust.  GM Cole Bates has Calder Cup aspirations, but insists The Thunderbirds must take it one step at a time.  

EHE Veteran Forward Ryan White has been named The Thunderbirds new Captain.  The Team will look for White, along with Assistant Captains Adam Pardy and Harry Zolniercyk, to provide the veteran leadership their young squad needs.

It's a new age in Springfield.

Thunderbirds Hockey is a different animal, one that expects to exhibit an exciting, offensive brand.  
One that hopes to be in contention for a Calder Cup.

And with that, 

Best of luck to all 31 AHL Teams in the 2018-2019 EHE season!