Springfield, MA - The Springfield Thunderbirds (9-16-1-0) continue a three-game weekend as they host the Bridgeport Sound Tigers (12-8-1-1) at the MassMutual Center for a 7:05 p.m. puck drop on Saturday.

 

Tonight marks the 2nd Annual Thunderbirds Teddy Bear Toss, presented by Teddy Bear Pools and Spas. A year ago, it took the T-Birds just 1:50 into the first period to bring about more than 2,700 teddy bears from the stands.

 

Like last season, the teddy bears and stuffed animals thrown onto the ice will be collected and distributed to local charities, including Square One, CHD, the Ronald McDonald House of Springfield, and the Boys and Girls Club Family Center in Springfield.

 

In addition, this busy game night at the MassMutual Center will also be hosts to "Altogether Awesome" with the support of the Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts. Girl-planned activity stations for children of all ages will be set up throughout the MassMutual Center concourse. The activity stations reflect the theme and are designed to build business savvy skills to help girls run and manage their Girl Scout Cookie businesses online and in person. Over 300 Girl Scouts will be in attendance. A “cookie rally” is scheduled for 4 pm and then Girl Scouts and their families will join Boomer and the altogether awesome Springfield Thunderbirds for the action-packed Teddy Bear Toss.

 

On the ice, the Thunderbirds were slow out of the starting blocks on Friday against Rochester, getting outshot 37-19 in the 2-1 defeat. Sam Montembeault denied 35 shots in the losing effort, and despite losing four of his last five starts, Montembeault has posted a 2.44 goals against average and .923 save percentage in those five games.

 

The Springfield power play, which at one time was ranked in the top 5 of the AHL, has been undergoing some struggles of late, converting just once in their last 18 chances with the man advantage. The Thunderbirds, however, do still have the best home-ice power play in the Eastern Conference, clicking at 26%.

 

Following Teddy Bear Toss night, the Thunderbirds continue their first and only three-game weekend of the month on Sunday for a 5:00 p.m. puck drop in Hartford against the Wolf Pack at the XL Center.

 

Springfield Thunderbirds fans are encouraged to visit www.SpringfieldThunderbirds.com to learn more about Thunderbirds Season Ticket Memberships. Packages start at just $12 per game, and Thunderbirds Full Season Ticket Members receive the most benefits, including a refillable collector’s mug and a commemorative jersey. For more information or to order now, call (413) 739-GOAL (4625) or visit www.SpringfieldThunderbirds.com.