Falcons to Honor 1974-75 Indians Calder Cup Team on Jan. 24

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Falcons will honor the 40th anniversary of the 1974-75 Springfield Indians Calder Cup team when the Falcons host the Providence Bruins on Jan. 24 at the MassMutual Center at 7 p.m. presented by Boston Medical Center. The Falcons will honor the team with a pre-game introduction and ceremonial puck drop. Returning Indians players include captain Mark Heaslip, assistant captain Jimmy Peters, Jim Witherspoon and Lorne Stamler along with the family of Steve Rexe, General Manager Eddie “Ted” Shore Jr. and equipment manager Ralph Calvanese. Additionally, the 1974-75 team photo will be given to the first 2,500 fans, courtesy of the Springfield Hockey Heritage Society. While on their way to claiming the 1975 Calder Cup, this team set a new American Hockey League record, while tying two other marks, which have since been surpassed. With 72 goals, the Indians set a record for the most goals scored by a team in one playoff. The Indians also tied the record for the most games won by the champion with 12, while becoming only the second fourth place team to claim the Cup. In addition to honoring the 1974-75 team, the Jan. 24 game will be highlighted with a national anthem performance by TD Garden legend Rene Rancourt. Boston Medical Center and Springfield College will be holding concussion safety demonstrations on the concourse throughout the game, as well. The contest will also feature a t-shirt toss, courtesy of King Ward.