SUNRISE, Fla. - Florida Panthers President of Hockey Operations Dale Tallon announced Wednesday that the Panthers have assigned forward Jared McCann and defenseman Dylan McIlrath to Florida's American Hockey League affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds.
 
McCann, 20, has recorded seven points (1-6-7) in 29 games with the Panthers this season. In 15 games with Springfield (AHL) this season, McCann has recorded six points (4-2-6). The 6-foot-1, 201-pound native of Stratford, Ontario was originally selected by the Vancouver Canucks in the first round (24th overall) of the 2014 NHL Draft. He last skated for the Thunderbirds on Jan. 4 in a 3-2 shootout win over the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.
 
McIlrath, 24, has recorded one goal in five games with the Panthers this season. In six games with Springfield (AHL) this season, McIlrath has recorded two points (1-1-2). The 6-foot-5, 236-pound native of Winnipeg, Manitoba was originally selected by the New York Rangers in the first round (10th overall) of the 2010 NHL Draft. McIlrath last played for Springfield on Jan. 14 in a 1-0 loss to the Providence Bruins. He recorded his first goal as a Thunderbird the night before, on Jan. 13 in Albany against the Devils.

Fresh off the AHL All-Star Classic break, the Thunderbirds are back to game action on Friday, Feb. 3 in Providence against the Bruins. From there, Springfield will visit Bridgeport on Sat., Feb. 4 and Tues., Feb. 7 for back-to-back matchups with the Sound Tigers. All three road games will face off shortly after 7:00 p.m. ET. 

The Thunderbirds are back on MassMutual Center ice on Friday, Feb. 10 as Ric Flair makes a visit to Springfield for "Throwback Night" with a piece of Flair. Flair's special appearance, presented by Big Y and Lia Auto Group. Additionally, the evening also marks Big Y Family Night, where Big Y Silver Savings Club Card holders can save $5 on tickets (NOTE: this offer cannot be combined with Ric Flair packages).

Interested in being part of the next era of AHL hockey in Springfield? Springfield Thunderbirds Ticket Memberships start as low as $12 per game and feature the most exclusive benefits, including a commemorative jersey. For more information, fans may call the Thunderbirds ticket office at (413) 739-GOAL (4625) or visit www.SpringfieldThunderbirds.com.