Blue Jackets, Springfield Falcons extend AHL affiliation agreement through 2014-15 season
Press release from the Blue Jackets:
COLUMBUS, OHIO -- The Columbus Blue Jackets have extended their agreement with the Springfield Falcons for the club to serve as the organization’s American Hockey League affiliate through the 2014-15 season, Blue Jackets General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen and Falcons President and General Manager Bruce Landon announced today.
"Our affiliation with the Springfield Falcons has been very successful and we are excited to extend our relationship with Springfield through the 2014-15 season," said Blue Jackets Assistant General Manager Chris MacFarland, who oversees hockey operations for the club’s affiliates. "The Falcons organization, from Charles Pompea and Bruce Landon to the coaching staff led by Brad Larsen, has provided our young players with a great environment in which to develop and have success."
The Springfield Falcons are currently in their 19th AHL season and have served as the AHL affiliate of the Blue Jackets since 2010-11. Last season, the Falcons posted a franchise-best 45-22-9 (99 pts.) record and captured the Northeast Division title. So far in 2013-14, the club boasts the best record in the Eastern Conference and second-best mark in the AHL at 16-4-2.
“We are very pleased to continue our working relationship with the Columbus Blue Jackets,” said Falcons President and Governor Bruce Landon. “They have been an excellent partner and have worked very hard at providing us with a team that our fans can be proud of. We are proud of the players that have been developed here in Springfield and are now playing and having success with the Blue Jackets.”
The AHL has been a part of the Greater Springfield area dating back to 1936 and the Springfield Indians. In the spring of 1994, the Indians franchise was sold and moved to Worcester, Mass., and Springfield was awarded an expansion franchise in May of 1994. The Falcons play their home games in the 6,789-seat MassMutual Center.
The Blue Jackets return to action tonight when the club hosts the New Jersey Devils. Game time at Nationwide Arena is 7 p.m. ET. Live coverage on FOX Sports Ohio HD begins with the Blue Jackets Live pre-game show starting at 6:30 p.m. The game will also be broadcast live on the Blue Jackets Radio Network, including flagship station Sports Radio 97.1 The Fan in Columbus, and online at BlueJackets.com.
