Springfield, MA - The Springfield Thunderbirds have released six guaranteed home game dates for the 2017-18 season, the club announced on Wednesday. Opponents for each of the six dates will be released later this summer with the announcement of the 2017-18 AHL schedule.

The Thunderbirds will open their 2017-18 home ice schedule at the MassMutual Center on Saturday, October 14. Springfield sold out its home Opening Night last October. The 6,793 fans in attendance marked the largest hockey crowd at the MassMutual Center in a decade.

In addition to October 14, the following dates are guaranteed home ice game dates for the Thunderbirds' 2017-18 AHL season:

• Friday, November 3

• Saturday, December 9

• Saturday, December 16

• Saturday, January 6

• Saturday, January 27

The 2016-17 Thunderbirds season saw an average of 4,664 fans inside the MassMutual Center, an increase of 50% from the 2015-16 season. On the ice, the Thunderbirds showed they were appreciative of the home ice advantage, winning 12 of their final 14 home games in the 2016-17 season.

Interested in joining the Thunderbirds hockey family next season? Earn your wings with Springfield Thunderbirds 2017-18 Ticket Memberships, which start as low as $12 per game and feature the most exclusive benefits, including a commemorative jersey and brand new Collectors Mug. For more information, fans may call the Thunderbirds ticket office at (413) 739-GOAL (4625) or visit www.SpringfieldThunderbirds.com.