SPRINGFIELD, Mass. -  The Springfield Thunderbirds announced today that they have signed forward Sam Bitten to an AHL contract for the 2023-24 season. 

A native of Ottawa, Ont., the 23-year-old forward is the younger brother of T-Birds winger Will Bitten. Sam played the last three seasons in Europe. He skated in 12 games with Sodertalje SK in HockeyAllsvenskan in Sweden in 2020-21, posting three points (1g, 2a) and 35 penalty minutes.

Bitten has skated in 97 games in Czechia since the start of the 2021-22 season with HC Prouba, HC Vitkovice, and HC Plzen, posting a combined 30 points (18g, 12a) and 109 penalty minutes.

Prior to turning pro, the 6-foot-2, 201-pound forward played in four OHL seasons with the Ottawa 67's and Sarnia Sting, accumulating 91 points (34g, 57a) and 91 penalty minutes over 202 games. 

Thunderbirds fans can reserve their seats for the 2023-24 season by calling (413) 739-GOAL (4625) or visiting www.SpringfieldThunderbirds.com.