Springfield, MA - The Springfield Thunderbirds announced on Monday that they will open their 2017-18 home-ice schedule against their I-91 rivals, the Hartford Wolf Pack, on Saturday, Oct. 14 at 7:05 p.m. at the MassMutual Center.

 

The Thunderbirds will look to pick up where they left off in terms of a home ice advantage, having won 12 of their final 14 games at the MassMutual Center in the 2016-17 season. Springfield also won their season series against the Wolf Pack, posting a 6-2-1-1 record against Hartford last season.

 

In the club's inaugural home opener on Oct. 22, 2016, Springfield completed a two-goal third period comeback en route to a 5-4 overtime win in front of a sellout crowd of 6,793. It was the first of three sold-out nights for the Thunderbirds in 2017-18.

 

"We're excited to be able to host our I-91 rivals from Hartford to open the 2017-18 season," said Thunderbirds Executive Vice President Nathan Costa. "Coming off of last year's Opening Night sellout, we are excited to replicate a similar atmosphere and take it to the next level for our second season. We are looking forward to announcing season-long promotions and themes in the coming weeks, which are sure to excite all of our fans."

 

In addition to Opening Night dates, the full AHL schedule for the 2017-18 season will be released on Tuesday, July 11.

 

The best way to guarantee your seat for Opening Night is by becoming a Thunderbirds ticket package holder. Springfield Thunderbirds' 10 + 2 Flex Plans offer ticket vouchers for use throughout the 2017-18 season, in addition to two tickets for Opening Night on Oct. 14.