Springfield, MA - The Springfield Thunderbirds (2-10-1-0) open the first of two season-long five-game homestands on Wednesday night as they play host to the Hershey Bears (4-6-0-2) at the MassMutual Center for a 7:05 p.m. puck drop.

 

The Thunderbirds are hoping a return to home ice can reinvigorate their early season scuffle. Springfield won its last home game, an impressive 5-3 triumph over the Hartford Wolf Pack last Friday night. In their two home ice victories this season, Springfield has scored 12 goals.

 

Hershey has had a similarly slow start to the 2017-18 season, losing eight of its first 12 contests. The Bears have been decimated by injuries and call-ups to the Washington Capitals in the early going. The Bears have won back-to-back games only once this season, which they will look to duplicate tonight following a 3-2 shootout win over the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on Sunday afternoon.

 

Springfield and Hershey both sit near the bottom of the AHL in defense, as the clubs have combined to allow 95 goals in just 25 combined games.

 

The Bears have never lost to the Thunderbirds in the history of this division rivalry, winning five times in regulation and once in overtime last season. The Thunderbirds will look to change that piece of history on Wednesday behind the strength of the red-hot Anthony Greco, who set a Springfield Thunderbirds record by scoring a goal in his fourth consecutive game in the Thunderbirds' defeat at Hartford on Sunday.

 

Greco and Dryden Hunt are tied for the Thunderbirds team lead in goals with five, while Curtis Valk and Alex Grenier have each totaled 10 points to lead all Springfield skaters in scoring.

 

Springfield is next on home ice this Saturday, Nov. 11 for David Ortiz Night as the Thunderbirds host the Laval Rocket at 7:05. From there, the Thunderbirds will host the Providence Bruins on Sunday, Nov. 12 at 3:05 p.m. to round out their busy week.

 

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 visitwww.SpringfieldThunderbirds.com.