Springfield, MA - The Florida Panthers announced that they have been returned goaltender Reto Berrato the Springfield Thunderbirds. Berra had been recalled by Florida on Jan. 19, but did not participate in any of the Panthers' games since that time.

Additionally, the Thunderbirds announced that they have returned goaltender Sam Brittain to the Manchester Monarchs of the ECHL, and they have assigned forward Stephen MacAulay to the FloridaEverblades of the ECHL.

Berra, 30, owns a 9-8-2 record with a 2.24 goals against average, .918 save percentage and three shutouts this season with Springfield. The 6-foot-4, 210-pound native of Bulach, Switzerland was originally selected by the St. Louis Blues in the fourth round (106th overall) of the 2006 NHL Draft.  

Brittain, 24, has put together a strong season in Manchester, tallying a 17-5-0 record, along with a .907 save percentage and 2.77 goals-against average. His first start as a Thunderbird was a winning effort in a 2-1 overtime triumph on Wednesday night in Utica against the Comets. Brittain made 24 saves in that tilt. 

MacAulay, 24, took part in 28 Thunderbirds games, scoring two goals and adding two assists.

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.