Daily News

Springfield Falcons, Arizona Coyotes Announce Multi-year Affiliation Agreement

SPRINGFIELD — The Arizona Coyotes of the National Hockey League and the Springfield Falcons will enter into a multi-year affiliation agreement beginning in the 2015-16 season, Coyotes General Manager Don Maloney and Falcons President Sarah Pompea jointly announced last week. Under this affiliation agreement, the Coyotes will move their American Hockey League prospects, along with coaching and training staff, from Portland, Me. to Springfield. The Falcons and Columbus Blue Jackets have mutually agreed to terminate the final year of their affiliation agreement upon completion of the 2014-15 season. “We are very pleased to partner with the Springfield Falcons,” said Maloney.

“Springfield is one of the best hockey markets in the AHL and a great environment to develop our top prospects; we’re looking forward to a great relationship with the Falcons.” Said Pompea, “we are looking forward to starting this partnership with the Arizona Coyotes. We have had the opportunity to work with this organization in the past and are excited about renewing the relationship with the new management team in Arizona. With our new NHL partner, we are pleased to continue providing professional hockey entertainment in Springfield. This affiliation will allow fans to follow the progress and development of top NHL prospects right here at the MassMutual Center. The Falcons are dedicated to serving the Greater-Springfield community both on and off the ice and we are thrilled about a long-term partnership with an organization that supports our commitment to this city.”

Maloney will work with members of Arizona and Springfield to help oversee hockey operations. Under current leadership, Arizona’s AHL affiliate has a 37-27-7-2 record and holds eighth place in the East Division. The Springfield Falcons joined the AHL as an expansion franchise in 1994 and are tied with the fifth-longest tenure in the league. Since their inception, the Falcons have partnered with the Hartford Whalers (1994-97), Winnipeg Jets (1994-96), Phoenix Coyotes (1996-2004), Tampa Bay Lightning (2001-03, 2004-07), Edmonton Oilers (2007-10) and Columbus Blue Jackets (2010-15). The 2015-16 season will mark the Springfield Falcons’ 22nd in the AHL with the Arizona Coyotes heading into their 20th NHL campaign. Over their 21-year history, the Falcons have made eight playoff appearances. The team also captured the Northeast Division title for two consecutive years in 2012-2014, while setting new franchise records with 47 regular season wins and a .658 points percentage and tying a franchise mark of 100 points in the 2013-14 season.