Springfield, MA – The Springfield Thunderbirds, proud AHL affiliate of the Florida Panthers, announced on Friday that the club has signed forward Blaine Byron to a one-year, one-way AHL contract.

 

Originally a sixth-round (179th overall) selection by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2013 NHL Draft, the 6-foot-1-inch, 186-pound Byron completed a four-year collegiate career last season with the University of Maine, serving as the Black Bears' assistant captain in his senior year. The 22-year-old forward compiled a team-high 18 goals and led the Black Bears with 41 points in just 36 games in the 2016-17 season.

 

Over his four-year career with Maine, Byron scored 46 goals and added 62 assists for 108 points in 145 NCAA contests. He is a native of Manotick, Ontario.

 

The best way to secure your place at the Springfield Thunderbirds' home opener on Sat., Oct. 14 is by becoming a Thunderbirds ticket package holder. Thunderbirds "10 Flex +2" plans offer ten redeemable ticket vouchers for any 2017-18 regular season home game at the MassMutual Center, in addition to two tickets to Opening Night on Oct. 14 at 7:05 p.m. ET.

 

Springfield Thunderbirds fans are encouraged to visit www.SpringfieldThunderbirds.com to learn more about Thunderbirds Season Ticket Memberships. Packages start at $12 per game and feature the most benefits, including an exclusive commemorative jersey. For more information, fans may call the Thunderbirds ticket office at (413) 739-GOAL (4625).