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| logo = Springfield Falcons Logo.svg
| logo = Springfield Falcons Logo.svg
| logosize = 200px
| logosize = 200px
| founded = 1994
| folded = 2016 (now the [[Tucson Roadrunners]])
| city = [[Springfield, Massachusetts]]
| city = [[Springfield, Massachusetts]]
| league = [[American Hockey League]]
| league = [[American Hockey League]]
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| affiliates =
| affiliates =
<!---Franchise history--->
<!---Franchise history--->
| name1 = Springfield Falcons
| name1 = '''Springfield Falcons'''
| dates1 = 1994–2016
| dates1 = 1994–2016
| name2 = [[Tucson Roadrunners]]
| name2 = [[Tucson Roadrunners]]
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|calder_cups =
|calder_cups =
}}
}}
The '''Springfield Falcons''' were an [[ice hockey]] team in the [[American Hockey League]] (AHL) and played in [[Springfield, Massachusetts]], at the [[MassMutual Center]].
The '''Springfield Falcons''' were a former [[ice hockey]] team in the [[American Hockey League]] (AHL) and played in [[Springfield, Massachusetts]], at the [[MassMutual Center]].


In 2016, the Falcons' franchise was purchased by the [[National Hockey League]] (NHL)'s [[Arizona Coyotes]] and relocated to [[Tucson, Arizona]], before the start of the [[2016–17 AHL season]].
In 2016, the Falcons' franchise was purchased by the [[National Hockey League]] (NHL)'s [[Arizona Coyotes]] and relocated to [[Tucson, Arizona]], before the start of the [[2016–17 AHL season]].
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==History==
==History==


===The beginning===
===Beginning===
[[File:Sprfal95.png|thumb|left|Original Falcons logo used from 1994 to 2003]]
[[File:Sprfal95.png|thumb|left|The Original Springfield Falcons logo used from 1994 to 2003]]
In 1994, the longtime AHL [[Springfield Indians]] team was sold to interests that moved the franchise to [[Worcester, Massachusetts]], to become the [[Worcester IceCats]] (now the [[Utica Comets]]). Ex-Indian players [[Bruce Landon]], then the general manager of the Indians, and Wayne LaChance, a local rink owner and former member of the [[Springfield Kings]], secured an expansion franchise for Springfield for the [[1994–95 AHL season|1994–95 season]]. The Indians name was still under trademark, so the new owners named the team after Andy and Amelia, a pair of nesting [[peregrine falcon]]s that was a popular local civic symbol. The AHL, which was headquartered in nearby [[West Springfield, Massachusetts|West Springfield]], was keen to maintain a presence in a city that had hosted a team in the AHL or its predecessors for all but nine years since 1926, and readily granted an expansion franchise to Landon and LaChance.
In 1994, the longtime AHL [[Springfield Indians]] team was sold to interests that moved the franchise to [[Worcester, Massachusetts]], to become the [[Worcester IceCats]] (now the [[Abbotsford Canucks]]). Ex-Indian players [[Bruce Landon]], then the general manager of the Indians, and Wayne LaChance, a local rink owner and former member of the [[Springfield Kings]], secured an expansion franchise for Springfield for the [[1994–95 AHL season|1994–95 season]]. The Indians name was still under trademark, so the new owners named the team after Andy and Amelia, a pair of nesting [[peregrine falcon]]s that was a popular local civic symbol. The AHL, which was headquartered in nearby [[West Springfield, Massachusetts|West Springfield]], was keen to maintain a presence in a city that had hosted a team in the AHL or its predecessors for all but nine years since 1926, and readily granted an expansion franchise to Landon and LaChance.


The Falcons secured affiliation with both the [[Hartford Whalers]] and the [[Winnipeg Jets (1972–96)|Winnipeg Jets]] of the NHL. Since the Indians had been the Whalers' top affiliate in their last few years, this allowed the Falcons to secure most of the players who had played for the Indians the previous season. Veteran defenseman [[John Stevens (ice hockey)|John Stevens]] (the last captain of the Indians, who shared the co-captaincy that first year with [[Rob Murray]]) scored the franchise's first goal.
The Falcons secured affiliation with both the [[Hartford Whalers]] and the [[Winnipeg Jets (1972–96)|Winnipeg Jets]] of the NHL. Since the Indians had been the Whalers' top affiliate in their last few years, this allowed the Falcons to secure most of the players who had played for the Indians the previous season. Veteran defenseman [[John Stevens (ice hockey)|John Stevens]] (the last captain of the Indians, who shared the co-captaincy that first year with [[Rob Murray]]) scored the franchise's first goal.


[[File:Hansen - briere.JPG|thumb|left|Tavis Hansen and Daniel Briere score against Saint John]]
[[File:Hansen - briere.JPG|thumb|left|Tavis Hansen and Daniel Briere score against the Saint John Flames]]
Among the Falcons' early notable players were [[Jean-Guy Trudel]], the franchise's leading career goal and point scorer; [[Daniel Brière|Daniel Briere]] of the [[Colorado Avalanche]]; [[Manny Legacé|Manny Legace]], the franchise's all-time leading goaltender and former [[St. Louis Blues]] starter; [[Nikolai Khabibulin]], former Stanley Cup winning goalie; and [[Rob Murray]], the franchise's long-time captain and inspirational leader. During the [[2003–04 AHL season|2004 season]], Springfield fans voted on the Web for the club's 10th Anniversary Team, and selected Briere at center, Trudel at left wing, [[Tavis Hansen]] at right wing, [[Brad Tiley]] and [[Dan Focht]] on defense and Legace in goal.
Among the Falcons' early notable players were [[Jean-Guy Trudel]], the franchise's leading career goal and point scorer; [[Daniel Brière|Daniel Briere]] of the [[Colorado Avalanche]]; [[Manny Legacé|Manny Legace]], the franchise's all-time leading goaltender and former [[St. Louis Blues]] starter; [[Nikolai Khabibulin]], former Stanley Cup winning goalie; and [[Rob Murray]], the franchise's long-time captain and inspirational leader. During the [[2003–04 AHL season|2004 season]], Springfield fans voted on the Web for the club's 10th Anniversary Team, and selected Briere at center, Trudel at left wing, [[Tavis Hansen]] at right wing, [[Brad Tiley]] and [[Dan Focht]] on defense and Legace in goal.


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After the Whalers relocated to become the [[Carolina Hurricanes]], the Falcons were subsequently affiliated exclusively with the Jets, an affiliation that continued when that team became the [[Arizona Coyotes|Phoenix Coyotes]] in 1996. The team was then affiliated with the [[Tampa Bay Lightning]] between [[2004–05 AHL season|2004]] and [[2006–07 AHL season|2007]].
After the Whalers relocated to become the [[Carolina Hurricanes]], the Falcons were subsequently affiliated exclusively with the Jets, an affiliation that continued when that team became the [[Arizona Coyotes|Phoenix Coyotes]] in 1996. The team was then affiliated with the [[Tampa Bay Lightning]] between [[2004–05 AHL season|2004]] and [[2006–07 AHL season|2007]].


The team had finished in first place in its division twice and made the playoffs six times in its first nine seasons. However, after three seasons affiliated with Tampa Bay and nine straight losing seasons, the team announced that it was exercising its option to sever relations with the Lightning. On March 19, 2007, they announced an affiliation with the [[Edmonton Oilers]] beginning in the [[2007–08 AHL season|2007–08 season]] until the conclusion of the [[2009–10 AHL season|2009–10 season]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=March 19, 2007|title=Edmonton Oilers reach affiliation deal with Springfield Falcons|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/edmonton-oilers-reach-affiliation-deal-with-springfield-falcons/c-290739|url-status=live|access-date=October 19, 2021|website=[[National Hockey League]]|language=en-US}}</ref>
The team had finished in first place in its division twice and made the playoffs six times in its first nine seasons. However, after three seasons affiliated with Tampa Bay and nine straight losing seasons, the team announced that it was exercising its option to sever relations with the Lightning. On March 19, 2007, they announced an affiliation with the [[Edmonton Oilers]] beginning in the [[2007–08 AHL season|2007–08 season]] until the conclusion of the [[2009–10 AHL season|2009–10 season]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=March 19, 2007|title=Edmonton Oilers reach affiliation deal with Springfield Falcons|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/edmonton-oilers-reach-affiliation-deal-with-springfield-falcons/c-290739|access-date=October 19, 2021|website=[[National Hockey League]]|language=en-US}}</ref>


===The Edmonton Oilers affiliation===
===Edmonton Oilers affiliation===
On August 3, 2007, the team hired former Edmonton Oilers player [[Kelly Buchberger]] to be the head coach. After posting a .500 record, the Oilers promoted Buchberger to be an assistant coach on the Oilers staff. On June 17, 2008, assistant coach Jeff Truitt was named the team's tenth head coach. He was fired in February 2009, after 50 games, and replaced by former [[Houston Aeros (1994–2013)|Houston Aeros]] coach Rob Daum. The Falcons finished the 2008–09 season with the worst record in the AHL.
On August 3, 2007, the team hired former Edmonton Oilers player [[Kelly Buchberger]] to be the head coach. After posting a .500 record, the Oilers promoted Buchberger to be an assistant coach on the Oilers staff. On June 17, 2008, assistant coach Jeff Truitt was named the team's tenth head coach. He was fired in February 2009, after 50 games, and replaced by former [[Houston Aeros (1994–2013)|Houston Aeros]] coach Rob Daum. The Falcons finished the 2008–09 season with the worst record in the AHL.


On June 23, 2009, Oilers general manager [[Steve Tambellini]] announced that Daum would remain the head coach of the Springfield Falcons through the 2009–10 season. From November 25 to January 1, the Falcons went on a franchise record 17-game losing streak, recording only five points in that span. The Falcons finished the 2009–10 season as the worst team in the AHL once again, and was the only team that did not win at least 30 games. The lone bright spot from the season was [[Charles Linglet]] being named a Second Team All-Star.
On June 23, 2009, Oilers general manager [[Steve Tambellini]] announced that Daum would remain the head coach of the Springfield Falcons through the 2009–10 season. From November 25 to January 1, the Falcons went on a franchise record 17-game losing streak, recording only five points in that span. The Falcons finished the 2009–10 season as the worst team in the AHL once again, and was the only team that did not win at least 30 games. The lone bright spot from the season was [[Charles Linglet]] being named a Second Team All-Star.


On February 9, 2010, the Edmonton Oilers announced that they were severing ties with the Springfield Falcons to move their affiliation to [[Oklahoma City Barons|Oklahoma City]], a decision that had been expected for months.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Chimelis|first=Ron|date=February 10, 2010|title=Edmonton Oilers decision to activate AHL team in Oklahoma City leaves Springfield Falcons without NHL affiliation|url=https://www.masslive.com/sports/2010/02/edmonton_oilers_decision_to_ac.html|url-status=live|access-date=October 19, 2021|website=[[The Republican (Springfield, Massachusetts)|The Republican]]|language=en}}</ref>
On February 9, 2010, the Edmonton Oilers announced that they were severing ties with the Springfield Falcons to move their affiliation to [[Oklahoma City Barons|Oklahoma City]], a decision that had been expected for months.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Chimelis|first=Ron|date=February 10, 2010|title=Edmonton Oilers decision to activate AHL team in Oklahoma City leaves Springfield Falcons without NHL affiliation|url=https://www.masslive.com/sports/2010/02/edmonton_oilers_decision_to_ac.html|access-date=October 19, 2021|website=[[The Republican (Springfield, Massachusetts)|The Republican]]|language=en}}</ref>


===The Columbus Blue Jackets affiliation===
===Columbus Blue Jackets affiliation===
On March 25, 2010, the [[Columbus Blue Jackets]] announced a one-year affiliation agreement with a one-year option. Also introduced was a {{Not a typo|new jersey}} and logo. The new logo still had a falcon holding a hockey stick, but the background was changed to grey, the word Falcons to red, and the word Springfield to navy blue.<ref>{{Cite web|date=March 25, 2010|title=Columbus Blue Jackets and Springfield Falcons Reach an American Hockey League Affiliation Agreement|url=https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/news/columbus-blue-jackets-and-springfield-falcons-reach-an-american-hockey-league-affiliation-agreement/c-522683|url-status=live|access-date=October 19, 2021|website=[[Columbus Blue Jackets]]|language=en-US}}</ref> The new [[ECHL]] affiliation was with the [[Evansville IceMen]].
On March 25, 2010, the [[Columbus Blue Jackets]] announced a one-year affiliation agreement with a one-year option. Also introduced was a {{Not a typo|new jersey}} and logo. The new logo still had a falcon holding a hockey stick, but the background was changed to grey, the word Falcons to red, and the word Springfield to navy blue.<ref>{{Cite web|date=March 25, 2010|title=Columbus Blue Jackets and Springfield Falcons Reach an American Hockey League Affiliation Agreement|url=https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/news/columbus-blue-jackets-and-springfield-falcons-reach-an-american-hockey-league-affiliation-agreement/c-522683|access-date=October 19, 2021|website=[[Columbus Blue Jackets]]|language=en-US}}</ref> The new [[ECHL]] affiliation was with the [[Evansville IceMen]].


[[Rob Riley (ice hockey)|Rob Riley]], the former head coach at the [[United States Military Academy]], was named the new head coach of the Falcons on August 3, 2010, replacing Daum. The Falcons opened the [[2010–11 AHL season]] with a home-and-home matchup against the [[Providence Bruins]]. To honor the 75th anniversary of the AHL, each team wore throwback jerseys from 1936. The Bruins wore the jerseys of the [[Providence Reds]] while the Falcons wore the jerseys of the [[Springfield Indians]]. The Falcons won the first game in Providence 5–1, while the Bruins took the following game in Springfield 6–5.
[[Rob Riley (ice hockey)|Rob Riley]], the former head coach at the [[United States Military Academy]], was named the new head coach of the Falcons on August 3, 2010, replacing Daum. The Falcons opened the [[2010–11 AHL season]] with a home-and-home matchup against the [[Providence Bruins]]. To honor the 75th anniversary of the AHL, each team wore throwback jerseys from 1936. The Bruins wore the jerseys of the [[Providence Reds]] while the Falcons wore the jerseys of the [[Springfield Indians]]. The Falcons won the first game in Providence 5–1, while the Bruins took the following game in Springfield 6–5.
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During the [[2011–12 AHL season|2011–12 season]], the Falcons honored the Springfield hockey teams that had won the Calder Cup, wearing commemorative jerseys for those games, and honoring former coaches and players in pre-game festivities. Following the season, Rob Riley was fired as head coach after two seasons of missing the playoffs. Assistant coach [[Brad Larsen]] was named head coach for the 2012–13 season.
During the [[2011–12 AHL season|2011–12 season]], the Falcons honored the Springfield hockey teams that had won the Calder Cup, wearing commemorative jerseys for those games, and honoring former coaches and players in pre-game festivities. Following the season, Rob Riley was fired as head coach after two seasons of missing the playoffs. Assistant coach [[Brad Larsen]] was named head coach for the 2012–13 season.


The [[2012–13 AHL season|2012–13 season]], beginning with the [[2012–13 NHL lockout]], saw the Falcons make the playoffs for the first time since 2003. With help of NHL players [[Matt Calvert]], [[Cam Atkinson]], [[Ryan Johansen]], [[John Moore (ice hockey)|John Moore]] and [[Tim Erixon]], the Falcons were able to take an early lead in both the Northeast Division and the Eastern Conference. When the NHL lockout ended and these players were called up to Columbus, the Falcons continued to stay at the top of the standings. All-Star play from goaltender [[Curtis McElhinney]] and forward [[Jonathan Marchessault]], as well as veteran leadership from team captain [[Ryan Craig]], helped guide the team to a first-place finish in the Northeast Division. On April 6, 2013, the Falcons qualified for the [[2013 Calder Cup playoffs]], ending a nine-year playoff drought, the longest in AHL history.<ref>{{cite web|date=April 6, 2013|title=First four teams are in|url=https://theahl.com/first-four-teams-are-in|url-status=live|access-date=April 6, 2013|website=[[American Hockey League]]}}</ref> The Falcons defeated the [[Manchester Monarchs (AHL)|Manchester Monarchs]] in the first round three games to one, with all of their wins coming in overtime. The Falcons playoff run came to an end at the hands of the [[Syracuse Crunch]], as the Crunch swept the Falcons out of the playoffs in their second round matchup. Winger Jonathan Marchessault was named to the First All-Star team, while goaltender Curtis McElhinney was named a Second Team All-Star.
The [[2012–13 AHL season|2012–13 season]], beginning with the [[2012–13 NHL lockout]], saw the Falcons make the playoffs for the first time since 2003. With help of NHL players [[Matt Calvert]], [[Cam Atkinson]], [[Ryan Johansen]], [[John Moore (ice hockey)|John Moore]] and [[Tim Erixon]], the Falcons were able to take an early lead in both the Northeast Division and the Eastern Conference. When the NHL lockout ended and these players were called up to Columbus, the Falcons continued to stay at the top of the standings. All-Star play from goaltender [[Curtis McElhinney]] and forward [[Jonathan Marchessault]], as well as veteran leadership from team captain [[Ryan Craig]], helped guide the team to a first-place finish in the Northeast Division. On April 6, 2013, the Falcons qualified for the [[2013 Calder Cup playoffs]], ending a nine-year playoff drought, the longest in AHL history.<ref>{{cite web|date=April 6, 2013|title=First four teams are in|url=https://theahl.com/first-four-teams-are-in|access-date=April 6, 2013|website=[[American Hockey League]]}}</ref> The Falcons defeated the [[Manchester Monarchs (AHL)|Manchester Monarchs]] in the first round three games to one, with all of their wins coming in overtime. The Falcons playoff run came to an end at the hands of the [[Syracuse Crunch]], as the Crunch swept the Falcons out of the playoffs in their second round matchup. Winger Jonathan Marchessault was named to the First All-Star team, while goaltender Curtis McElhinney was named a Second Team All-Star.


The 2013–14 Falcons set a team record for wins (47) and points (100).<ref>{{cite web|date=April 19, 2014|title=FALCONS END REGULAR SEASON WITH RECORD WIN, POINT TOTALS|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140422233202/http://falconsahl.com/news/news/index.html?article_id=297|url-status=live|archive-url=http://falconsahl.com/news/news/index.html?article_id=297|archive-date=April 22, 2014|access-date=April 22, 2014|website=Springfield Falcons|publisher=}}</ref> They suffered a first round defeat in the playoffs at the hands of the Providence Bruins in five games.
The 2013–14 Falcons set a team record for wins (47) and points (100).<ref>{{cite web|date=April 19, 2014|title=FALCONS END REGULAR SEASON WITH RECORD WIN, POINT TOTALS|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140422233202/http://falconsahl.com/news/news/index.html?article_id=297|url=http://falconsahl.com/news/news/index.html?article_id=297|archive-date=April 22, 2014|access-date=April 22, 2014|website=Springfield Falcons|publisher=}}</ref> They suffered a first round defeat in the playoffs at the hands of the Providence Bruins in five games.


On February 4, 2014, the Springfield Falcons announced that [[Bruce Landon]] would be retiring. Landon had served as president, general manager and co-owner since 1994. He remained with the team as director of hockey operations.<ref>{{cite web|date=February 4, 2014|title=Bruce Landon stepping down as Springfield Falcons president and part owner|url=https://www.masslive.com/sports/2014/02/bruce_landon_stepping_down_as.html|url-status=live|access-date=February 4, 2014|website=[[The Republican (Springfield, Massachusetts)|The Republican]]|publisher=}}</ref> Sarah Pompea, the daughter of owner Charlie Pompea, was named the new team president.
On February 4, 2014, the Springfield Falcons announced that [[Bruce Landon]] would be retiring. Landon had served as president, general manager and co-owner since 1994. He remained with the team as director of hockey operations.<ref>{{cite web|date=February 4, 2014|title=Bruce Landon stepping down as Springfield Falcons president and part owner|url=https://www.masslive.com/sports/2014/02/bruce_landon_stepping_down_as.html|access-date=February 4, 2014|website=[[The Republican (Springfield, Massachusetts)|The Republican]]|publisher=}}</ref> Sarah Pompea, the daughter of owner Charlie Pompea, was named the new team president.


While it was initially announced that the entire coaching staff would return to Springfield for the [[2014–15 AHL season|2014–15 season]], head coach Brad Larsen was promoted to an assistant coach in Columbus. On June 16, 2014, Columbus announced that [[Jared Bednar]] would become head coach and he continued to be joined by assistant coach [[Nolan Pratt]], in addition to first year assistant [[Toby Petersen]]. In the 2014–15 season, the team set a franchise record with 11 consecutive wins. The streak lasted from November 14 through December 6, and propelled the Falcons back into first place in the Northeast Division. However, a poor March cost the team as they missed the playoffs, finishing in ninth place in the Eastern Conference.
While it was initially announced that the entire coaching staff would return to Springfield for the [[2014–15 AHL season|2014–15 season]], head coach Brad Larsen was promoted to an assistant coach in Columbus. On June 16, 2014, Columbus announced that [[Jared Bednar]] would become head coach and he continued to be joined by assistant coach [[Nolan Pratt]], in addition to first year assistant [[Toby Petersen]]. In the 2014–15 season, the team set a franchise record with 11 consecutive wins. The streak lasted from November 14 through December 6, and propelled the Falcons back into first place in the Northeast Division. However, a poor March cost the team as they missed the playoffs, finishing in ninth place in the Eastern Conference.


===The Arizona Coyotes affiliation===
===Arizona Coyotes affiliation===
On April 17, 2015, the Springfield Falcons and Arizona Coyotes announced that they had reached a three-year affiliation agreement.<ref>{{cite web|date=April 17, 2015|title=Coyotes Announce New Affiliation Agreement with Springfield of the AHL|url=http://coyotes.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=763720|url-status=live|access-date=April 17, 2015|website=[[Arizona Coyotes]]}}</ref> This was part of change of affiliations for the [[2015–16 AHL season|2015–16 season]] where Columbus would have their AHL team in [[Lake Erie Monsters|Cleveland]], the Colorado Avalanche in [[San Antonio Rampage|San Antonio]] and the [[Florida Panthers]] would be tied to the [[Portland Pirates]].<ref>{{cite web|date=April 17, 2015|title=Falcons, Monsters, Rampage swap NHL affiliates|url=http://theahl.com/falcons-monsters-rampage-swap-nhl-affiliates-p197468|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150417230456/http://theahl.com/falcons-monsters-rampage-swap-nhl-affiliates-p197468|archive-date=April 17, 2015|access-date=April 17, 2015|website=[[American Hockey League]]|publisher=}}</ref>
On April 17, 2015, the Springfield Falcons and Arizona Coyotes announced that they had reached a three-year affiliation agreement.<ref>{{cite web|date=April 17, 2015|title=Coyotes Announce New Affiliation Agreement with Springfield of the AHL|url=http://coyotes.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=763720|access-date=April 17, 2015|website=[[Arizona Coyotes]]}}</ref> This was part of change of affiliations for the [[2015–16 AHL season|2015–16 season]] where Columbus would have their AHL team in [[Lake Erie Monsters|Cleveland]], the Colorado Avalanche in [[San Antonio Rampage|San Antonio]] and the [[Florida Panthers]] would be tied to the [[Portland Pirates]].<ref>{{cite web|date=April 17, 2015|title=Falcons, Monsters, Rampage swap NHL affiliates|url=http://theahl.com/falcons-monsters-rampage-swap-nhl-affiliates-p197468|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150417230456/http://theahl.com/falcons-monsters-rampage-swap-nhl-affiliates-p197468|archive-date=April 17, 2015|access-date=April 17, 2015|website=[[American Hockey League]]|publisher=}}</ref>


The Coyotes hired [[Ron Rolston]] as the team's head coach, with [[Doug Janik]] and [[Mike Bavis]] as his assistants for the [[2015–16 AHL season|2015–16 season]]. [[Dustin Jeffrey]] was named a Second Team All-Star, although he finished the season with the [[Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins]] after being traded at the trade deadline. The season was one of the worst in franchise history and marked the 11th time in 13 seasons that the club missed the playoffs, finishing with the second lowest points percentage in the AHL and the most regulation losses.
The Coyotes hired [[Ron Rolston]] as the team's head coach, with [[Doug Janik]] and [[Mike Bavis]] as his assistants for the [[2015–16 AHL season|2015–16 season]]. [[Dustin Jeffrey]] was named a Second Team All-Star, although he finished the season with the [[Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins]] after being traded at the trade deadline. The season was one of the worst in franchise history and marked the 11th time in 13 seasons that the club missed the playoffs, finishing with the second lowest points percentage in the AHL and the most regulation losses.


On April 19, 2016, the Arizona Coyotes signed an agreement to purchase the team. The Coyotes had been in negotiations to relocate the franchise to [[Tucson, Arizona]], for the [[2016–17 AHL season|2016–17 season]] and join the other AHL Pacific Division teams created in the previous season.<ref>{{cite web|date=April 19, 2016|title=Coyotes Sign Agreement to Purchase Springfield Falcons AHL Franchise|url=http://coyotes.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=879403|url-status=live|access-date=April 19, 2016|website=[[Arizona Coyotes]]}}</ref>
On April 19, 2016, the Arizona Coyotes signed an agreement to purchase the team. The Coyotes had been in negotiations to relocate the franchise to [[Tucson, Arizona]], for the [[2016–17 AHL season|2016–17 season]] and join the other AHL Pacific Division teams created in the previous season.<ref>{{cite web|date=April 19, 2016|title=Coyotes Sign Agreement to Purchase Springfield Falcons AHL Franchise|url=http://coyotes.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=879403|access-date=April 19, 2016|website=[[Arizona Coyotes]]}}</ref>


On May 4, 2016, the Portland Pirates announced that it had signed a letter of intent with an outside buyer to sell and relocate the franchise for the [[2016–17 AHL season|2016–17 season]].<ref>{{cite web|date=May 4, 2016|title=Portland Pirates Sign Letter of Intent to Relocate Franchise|url=http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/portland-pirates-sign-letter-of-intent-to-relocate-franchise/n-5136999|url-status=live|access-date=May 4, 2016|website=OurSports Central|publisher=[[Portland Pirates]]}}</ref> It was reported that the team would be relocated to Springfield following the pending sale and relocation of the Falcons franchise.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Portland Pirates to leave Maine and move to Springfield, MA|work=[[WCSH]]|url=http://www.wcsh6.com/sports/hockey/portland-pirates-to-leave-maine-and-move-to-springfield-ma/170627229|access-date=May 4, 2016}} {{Dead link|date=October 2021}}</ref>
On May 4, 2016, the Portland Pirates announced that it had signed a letter of intent with an outside buyer to sell and relocate the franchise for the [[2016–17 AHL season|2016–17 season]].<ref>{{cite web|date=May 4, 2016|title=Portland Pirates Sign Letter of Intent to Relocate Franchise|url=http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/portland-pirates-sign-letter-of-intent-to-relocate-franchise/n-5136999|access-date=May 4, 2016|website=OurSports Central|publisher=[[Portland Pirates]]}}</ref> It was reported that the team would be relocated to Springfield following the pending sale and relocation of the Falcons franchise.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Portland Pirates to leave Maine and move to Springfield, MA|work=[[WCSH]]|url=http://www.wcsh6.com/sports/hockey/portland-pirates-to-leave-maine-and-move-to-springfield-ma/170627229|access-date=May 4, 2016}} {{Dead link|date=October 2021}}</ref>


The AHL Board of Governors conditionally approved of the sale and relocation of the Falcons on May 10,<ref>{{cite web|date=May 10, 2016|title=American Hockey League Announces Franchise Transaction|url=http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/american-hockey-league-announces-franchise-transaction/n-5140285|url-status=live|access-date=May 10, 2016|website=OurSports Central|publisher=}}</ref> pending approval of a deal through Tucson's city council.<ref>{{cite news|date=May 10, 2016|title=AHL board approves sale, relocation of Coyotes' affiliate|newspaper=[[USA Today]]|publisher=[[Associated Press]]|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/2016/05/10/ahl-board-approves-sale-relocation-of-coyotes-affililate/84205396/|access-date=May 10, 2016}}</ref> On May 17, the Coyotes and the Tucson city council came to terms on a lease agreement for the 2016–17 season to meet the conditions of the AHL approval.<ref>{{cite web|last=Shapiro|first=Sean|date=May 17, 2016|title=AHL officially headed to Arizona after unanimous vote by Tucson City Council|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160521045808/http://www.wrongsideoftheredline.com/2016/05/ahl-officially-headed-to-arizona-after-unanimous-vote-by-tucson-city-council/|url-status=live|archive-url=http://www.wrongsideoftheredline.com/2016/05/ahl-officially-headed-to-arizona-after-unanimous-vote-by-tucson-city-council/|archive-date=May 21, 2016|access-date=May 21, 2016|website=Wrong Side of the Red Line|publisher=}}</ref> The Pirates' sale and relocation to Springfield was approved on May 23,<ref>{{cite web|date=May 23, 2016|title=American Hockey League Announces Franchise Transaction|url=http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/american-hockey-league-announces-franchise-transaction/n-5147928|url-status=live|access-date=May 23, 2016|website=OurSports Central|publisher=}}</ref> to subsequently become the [[Springfield Thunderbirds]].
The AHL Board of Governors conditionally approved of the sale and relocation of the Falcons on May 10,<ref>{{cite web|date=May 10, 2016|title=American Hockey League Announces Franchise Transaction|url=http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/american-hockey-league-announces-franchise-transaction/n-5140285|access-date=May 10, 2016|website=OurSports Central|publisher=}}</ref> pending approval of a deal through Tucson's city council.<ref>{{cite news|date=May 10, 2016|title=AHL board approves sale, relocation of Coyotes' affiliate|newspaper=[[USA Today]]|publisher=[[Associated Press]]|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/2016/05/10/ahl-board-approves-sale-relocation-of-coyotes-affililate/84205396/|access-date=May 10, 2016}}</ref> On May 17, the Coyotes and the Tucson city council came to terms on a lease agreement for the 2016–17 season to meet the conditions of the AHL approval.<ref>{{cite web|last=Shapiro|first=Sean|date=May 17, 2016|title=AHL officially headed to Arizona after unanimous vote by Tucson City Council|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160521045808/http://www.wrongsideoftheredline.com/2016/05/ahl-officially-headed-to-arizona-after-unanimous-vote-by-tucson-city-council/|url=http://www.wrongsideoftheredline.com/2016/05/ahl-officially-headed-to-arizona-after-unanimous-vote-by-tucson-city-council/|archive-date=May 21, 2016|access-date=May 21, 2016|website=Wrong Side of the Red Line|publisher=}}</ref> The team became the [[Tucson Roadrunners]]. The Pirates' sale and relocation to Springfield was approved on May 23,<ref>{{cite web|date=May 23, 2016|title=American Hockey League Announces Franchise Transaction|url=http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/american-hockey-league-announces-franchise-transaction/n-5147928|access-date=May 23, 2016|website=OurSports Central|publisher=}}</ref> to subsequently become the [[Springfield Thunderbirds]].


'''This market was previously home to:'''
'''This market was previously home to:'''
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{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%; text-align:center; font-size:100%"
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%; text-align:center; font-size:100%"
|-
|-
!colspan=12|Regular Season
!colspan=12|Regular season
!colspan=6|Playoffs
!colspan=6|Playoffs
|-
|-
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!Finals
!Finals
|-
|-
|[[1994–95 AHL season|1994–95]] || 80 || 31 || 37 || 12 ||—||—|| 74 || .463 || 269 || 289 || 5th, North || [[1995 Calder Cup playoffs|1995]] ||colspan="5"|Out of Playoffs
|[[1994–95 AHL season|1994–95]] || 80 || 31 || 37 || 12 ||—||—|| 74 || .463 || 269 || 289 || 5th, North || [[1995 Calder Cup playoffs|1995]] ||colspan="5"|Out of playoffs
|-
|-
|[[1995–96 AHL season|1995–96]] || 80 || 42 || 22 || 11 || 5 ||—|| 100 || .625 || 272 || 215 || '''1st, North''' || [[1996 Calder Cup playoffs|1996]] ||—|| W, 3–1, [[Providence Bruins|PRO]] || L, 2–4, [[Portland Pirates|POR]] ||—||—
|[[1995–96 AHL season|1995–96]] || 80 || 42 || 22 || 11 || 5 ||—|| 100 || .625 || 272 || 215 || '''1st, North''' || [[1996 Calder Cup playoffs|1996]] ||—|| W, 3–1, [[Providence Bruins|PRO]] || L, 2–4, [[Portland Pirates|POR]] ||—||—
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|[[1999–00 AHL season|1999–00]] || 80 || 33 || 35 || 11 || 1 ||—|| 78 || .488 || 272 || 252 || 4th, New England || [[2000 Calder Cup playoffs|2000]] ||—|| L, 2–3, [[Hartford Wolf Pack|HAR]] ||—||—||—
|[[1999–00 AHL season|1999–00]] || 80 || 33 || 35 || 11 || 1 ||—|| 78 || .488 || 272 || 252 || 4th, New England || [[2000 Calder Cup playoffs|2000]] ||—|| L, 2–3, [[Hartford Wolf Pack|HAR]] ||—||—||—
|-
|-
|[[2000–01 AHL season|2000–01]] || 80 || 29 || 37 || 8 || 6 ||—|| 72 || .450 || 253 || 280 || 6th, New England || [[2001 Calder Cup playoffs|2001]] ||colspan="5"|Out of Playoffs
|[[2000–01 AHL season|2000–01]] || 80 || 29 || 37 || 8 || 6 ||—|| 72 || .450 || 253 || 280 || 6th, New England || [[2001 Calder Cup playoffs|2001]] ||colspan="5"|Out of playoffs
|-
|-
|[[2001–02 AHL season|2001–02]] || 80 || 35 || 41 || 2 || 2 ||—|| 74 || .463 || 213 || 237 || 5th, North || [[2002 Calder Cup playoffs|2002]] ||colspan="5"|Out of Playoffs
|[[2001–02 AHL season|2001–02]] || 80 || 35 || 41 || 2 || 2 ||—|| 74 || .463 || 213 || 237 || 5th, North || [[2002 Calder Cup playoffs|2002]] ||colspan="5"|Out of playoffs
|-
|-
|[[2002–03 AHL season|2002–03]] || 80 || 34 || 38 || 7 || 1 ||—|| 76 || .475 || 202 || 243 || 4th, East || [[2003 Calder Cup playoffs|2003]] || W, 2–0 [[Hartford Wolf Pack|HAR]] || L, 1–3, [[Hamilton Bulldogs (AHL)|HAM]] ||—||—||—
|[[2002–03 AHL season|2002–03]] || 80 || 34 || 38 || 7 || 1 ||—|| 76 || .475 || 202 || 243 || 4th, East || [[2003 Calder Cup playoffs|2003]] || W, 2–0 [[Hartford Wolf Pack|HAR]] || L, 1–3, [[Hamilton Bulldogs (AHL)|HAM]] ||—||—||—
|-
|-
|[[2003–04 AHL season|2003–04]] || 80 || 26 || 43 || 9 || 2 ||—|| 63 || .394 || 179 || 234 || 7th, Atlantic || [[2004 Calder Cup playoffs|2004]] ||colspan="5"|Out of Playoffs
|[[2003–04 AHL season|2003–04]] || 80 || 26 || 43 || 9 || 2 ||—|| 63 || .394 || 179 || 234 || 7th, Atlantic || [[2004 Calder Cup playoffs|2004]] ||colspan="5"|Out of playoffs
|-
|-
|[[2004–05 AHL season|2004–05]] || 80 || 24 || 47 ||—|| 3 || 6 || 57 || .356 || 161 || 255 || 7th, Atlantic || [[2005 Calder Cup playoffs|2005]] ||colspan="5"|Out of Playoffs
|[[2004–05 AHL season|2004–05]] || 80 || 24 || 47 ||—|| 3 || 6 || 57 || .356 || 161 || 255 || 7th, Atlantic || [[2005 Calder Cup playoffs|2005]] ||colspan="5"|Out of playoffs
|-
|-
|[[2005–06 AHL season|2005–06]] || 80 || 28 || 43 ||—|| 3 || 6 || 65 || .406 || 220 || 312 || 6th, Atlantic || [[2006 Calder Cup playoffs|2006]] ||colspan="5"|Out of Playoffs
|[[2005–06 AHL season|2005–06]] || 80 || 28 || 43 ||—|| 3 || 6 || 65 || .406 || 220 || 312 || 6th, Atlantic || [[2006 Calder Cup playoffs|2006]] ||colspan="5"|Out of playoffs
|-
|-
|[[2006–07 AHL season|2006–07]] || 80 || 28 || 49 ||—|| 1 || 2 || 59 || .369 || 181 || 268 || 7th, Atlantic || [[2007 Calder Cup playoffs|2007]] ||colspan="5"|Out of Playoffs
|[[2006–07 AHL season|2006–07]] || 80 || 28 || 49 ||—|| 1 || 2 || 59 || .369 || 181 || 268 || 7th, Atlantic || [[2007 Calder Cup playoffs|2007]] ||colspan="5"|Out of playoffs
|-
|-
|[[2007–08 AHL season|2007–08]] || 80 || 35 || 35 ||—|| 5 || 5 || 80 || .500 || 214 || 257 || 5th, Atlantic || [[2008 Calder Cup playoffs|2008]] ||colspan="5"|Out of Playoffs
|[[2007–08 AHL season|2007–08]] || 80 || 35 || 35 ||—|| 5 || 5 || 80 || .500 || 214 || 257 || 5th, Atlantic || [[2008 Calder Cup playoffs|2008]] ||colspan="5"|Out of playoffs
|-
|-
|[[2008–09 AHL season|2008–09]] || 80 || 24 || 44 ||—|| 8 || 4 || 60 || .375 || 188 || 258 || 7th, Atlantic || [[2009 Calder Cup playoffs|2009]] ||colspan="5"|Out of Playoffs
|[[2008–09 AHL season|2008–09]] || 80 || 24 || 44 ||—|| 8 || 4 || 60 || .375 || 188 || 258 || 7th, Atlantic || [[2009 Calder Cup playoffs|2009]] ||colspan="5"|Out of playoffs
|-
|-
|[[2009–10 AHL season|2009–10]] || 80 || 25 || 39 ||—|| 12 || 4 || 66 || .413 || 207 || 296 || 8th, Atlantic || [[2010 Calder Cup playoffs|2010]] ||colspan="5"|Out of Playoffs
|[[2009–10 AHL season|2009–10]] || 80 || 25 || 39 ||—|| 12 || 4 || 66 || .413 || 207 || 296 || 8th, Atlantic || [[2010 Calder Cup playoffs|2010]] ||colspan="5"|Out of playoffs
|-
|-
|[[2010–11 AHL season|2010–11]] || 80 || 35 || 40 ||—|| 2 || 3 || 75 || .469 || 232 || 253 || 6th, Atlantic || [[2011 Calder Cup playoffs|2011]] ||colspan="5"|Out of Playoffs
|[[2010–11 AHL season|2010–11]] || 80 || 35 || 40 ||—|| 2 || 3 || 75 || .469 || 232 || 253 || 6th, Atlantic || [[2011 Calder Cup playoffs|2011]] ||colspan="5"|Out of playoffs
|-
|-
|[[2011–12 AHL season|2011–12]] || 76 || 36 || 34 ||—|| 3 || 3 || 78 || .513 || 217 || 231 || 4th, Northeast || [[2012 Calder Cup playoffs|2012]] ||colspan="5"|Out of Playoffs
|[[2011–12 AHL season|2011–12]] || 76 || 36 || 34 ||—|| 3 || 3 || 78 || .513 || 217 || 231 || 4th, Northeast || [[2012 Calder Cup playoffs|2012]] ||colspan="5"|Out of playoffs
|-
|-
|[[2012–13 AHL season|2012–13]] || 76 || 45 || 22 ||—|| 5 || 4 || 99 || .651 || 235 || 186 || '''1st, Northeast''' || [[2013 Calder Cup playoffs|2013]] ||—|| W, 3–1, [[Manchester Monarchs (AHL)|MAN]] ||L, 0-4, [[Syracuse Crunch|SYR]] ||—||—
|[[2012–13 AHL season|2012–13]] || 76 || 45 || 22 ||—|| 5 || 4 || 99 || .651 || 235 || 186 || '''1st, Northeast''' || [[2013 Calder Cup playoffs|2013]] ||—|| W, 3–1, [[Manchester Monarchs (AHL)|MAN]] ||L, 0-4, [[Syracuse Crunch|SYR]] ||—||—
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|[[2012–13 AHL season|2013–14]] || 76 || 47 || 23 ||—|| 1 || 5 || 100 || .651 || 247 || 212 || '''1st, Northeast''' || [[2014 Calder Cup playoffs|2014]] ||—||L, 2-3, [[Providence Bruins|PRO]]||—||—||—
|[[2012–13 AHL season|2013–14]] || 76 || 47 || 23 ||—|| 1 || 5 || 100 || .651 || 247 || 212 || '''1st, Northeast''' || [[2014 Calder Cup playoffs|2014]] ||—||L, 2-3, [[Providence Bruins|PRO]]||—||—||—
|-
|-
|[[2014–15 AHL season|2014–15]] || 76 || 38 || 28 ||—|| 8 || 2 || 86 || .566 || 192 || 209 || 3rd, Northeast || [[2015 Calder Cup playoffs|2015]] ||colspan="5"|Out of Playoffs
|[[2014–15 AHL season|2014–15]] || 76 || 38 || 28 ||—|| 8 || 2 || 86 || .566 || 192 || 209 || 3rd, Northeast || [[2015 Calder Cup playoffs|2015]] ||colspan="5"|Out of playoffs
|-
|-
|[[2015–16 AHL season|2015–16]] || 76 || 26 || 42 ||—|| 3 || 5 || 60 || .395 || 194 || 265 || 8th, Atlantic || [[2016 Calder Cup playoffs|2016]] ||colspan="5"|Out of Playoffs
|[[2015–16 AHL season|2015–16]] || 76 || 26 || 42 ||—|| 3 || 5 || 60 || .395 || 194 || 265 || 8th, Atlantic || [[2016 Calder Cup playoffs|2016]] ||colspan="5"|Out of playoffs
|}
|}


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===Retired numbers===
===Retired numbers===
*'''#2:''' [[Eddie Shore]]
*'''No. 2:''' [[Eddie Shore]]
*'''#23:''' [[Rob Murray]]
*'''No. 23:''' [[Rob Murray]]


''Note: Former AHL President [[Jack Butterfield (ice hockey)|Jack Butterfield]] and Vice-President Gordie Anziano, longtime Springfield residents, were honored with banners raised with the retired numbers.''
''Note: Former AHL President [[Jack Butterfield (ice hockey)|Jack Butterfield]] and Vice-President Gordie Anziano, longtime Springfield residents, were honored with banners raised with the retired numbers.''
Line 179: Line 181:
* The [[Ross Lowe]] Award as team MVP
* The [[Ross Lowe]] Award as team MVP


===List of team captains===
===Team captains===
{{columns-list|colwidth=25em|
{{columns-list|colwidth=25em|
* [[John Stevens (ice hockey)|John Stevens]], [[Rob Murray]] (co-captains) 1994–1996
* [[John Stevens (ice hockey)|John Stevens]], [[Rob Murray]] (co-captains) 1994–1996
Line 199: Line 201:


===Notable NHL alumni===
===Notable NHL alumni===
''ist of Springfield Falcons alumni who played at least 100 games in Springfield and played 100 or more games in major leagues:''
''List of Springfield Falcons alumni who played at least 100 games in Springfield and played 100 or more games in the [[National Hockey League]]:''
{{columns-list|colwidth=15em|
{{columns-list|colwidth=15em|
* [[Ramzi Abid]]
*[[Ramzi Abid]]
* [[Nikita Alexeev]]
*[[Nikita Alexeev]]
* [[Frank Banham]]
*[[Frank Banham]]
* [[Goran Bezina]]
*[[Goran Bezina]]
* [[Daniel Briere]]
*[[Daniel Brière|Daniel Briere]]
* [[Matt Calvert]]
*[[Matt Calvert]]
* [[Michael Chaput]]
*[[Michael Chaput]]
* [[Taylor Chorney]]
*[[Taylor Chorney]]
* [[Martin Cibák|Martin Cibak]]
*[[Martin Cibák|Martin Cibak]]
* [[Sean Collins (ice hockey, born 1988)|Sean Collins]]
*[[Sean Collins (ice hockey, born 1988)|Sean Collins]]
* [[Ryan Craig (ice hockey)|Ryan Craig]]
*[[Ryan Craig (ice hockey)|Ryan Craig]]
* [[Jeff Daniels (ice hockey)|Jeff Daniels]]
*[[Jeff Daniels (ice hockey)|Jeff Daniels]]
* [[Devan Dubnyk]]
*[[Devan Dubnyk]]
* [[Robert Esche]]
*[[Robert Esche]]
* [[Cody Goloubef]]
*[[Cody Goloubef]]
* [[Martin Grenier]]
*[[Martin Grenier]]
* [[Ravil Gusmanov]]
*[[Ravil Gusmanov]]
* [[Nick Holden]]
*[[Nick Holden]]
* [[Jean-Francois Jacques]]
*[[Jean-François Jacques|Jean-Francois Jacques]]
* [[Tomas Kubalik]]
*[[Tomáš Kubalík|Tomas Kubalik]]
* [[Scott Langkow]]
*[[Scott Langkow]]
* [[Manny Legace]]
*[[Manny Legace]]
* [[François Leroux|Francois Leroux]]
*[[François Leroux|Francois Leroux]]
* [[Trevor Letowski]]
*[[Trevor Letowski]]
* [[Scott Levins]]
*[[Scott Levins]]
* [[Marek Malík|Marek Malik]]
*[[Marek Malík|Marek Malik]]
* [[Jonathan Marchessault]]
*[[Jonathan Marchessault]]
* [[Steve Martins]]
*[[Steve Martins]]
* [[Maksim Mayorov]]
*[[Maxim Mayorov]]
* [[Colin McDonald (ice hockey)|Colin McDonald]]
*[[Colin McDonald (ice hockey)|Colin McDonald]]
* [[John Moore (ice hockey)|John Moore]]
*[[John Moore (ice hockey)|John Moore]]
* [[Rob Murray]]
*[[Rob Murray]]
* [[Theo Peckham]]
*[[Theo Peckham]]
* [[Nolan Pratt]]
*[[Nolan Pratt]]
* [[Dalton Prout]]
*[[Dalton Prout]]
* [[Liam Reddox]]
*[[Liam Reddox]]
* [[Jay Rosehill]]
*[[Jay Rosehill]]
* [[Kirill Safronov]]
*[[Kirill Safronov]]
* [[David Savard]]
*[[David Savard]]
* [[Lukas Sedlak]]
*[[Lukáš Sedlák|Lukas Sedlak]]
* [[Robert Schnabel (ice hockey)|Robert Schnabel]]
*[[Robert Schnabel (ice hockey)|Robert Schnabel]]
* [[Rob Schremp]]
*[[Rob Schremp]]
* [[Tim Sestito]]
*[[Tim Sestito]]
* [[Wyatt Smith]]
*[[Wyatt Smith]]
* [[John Stevens (ice hockey)|John Stevens]]
*[[John Stevens (ice hockey)|John Stevens]]
* [[Radoslav Suchý|Radoslav Suchy]]
*[[Radoslav Suchý|Radoslav Suchy]]
* [[Nick Tarnasky]]
*[[Nick Tarnasky]]
* [[Brent Thompson]]
*[[Brent Thompson]]
* [[Shane Willis]]
*[[Shane Willis]]
}}
}}


==AHL Hall of Famers==
==AHL Hall of Fame members==
List of Springfield Falcons alumni later inducted into the [[AHL Hall of Fame]].
List of Springfield Falcons alumni later inducted into the [[AHL Hall of Fame]].
{{columns-list|colwidth=16em|
{{columns-list|colwidth=16em|
*[[Bryan Helmer]]
*[[Bryan Helmer]]
*[[Bruce Landon]]
*[[Rob Murray]]
*[[Rob Murray]]
*[[Brad Smyth]]
*[[John Stevens (ice hockey)|John Stevens]]
*[[John Stevens (ice hockey)|John Stevens]]
}}
}}

In addition, team owner [[Bruce Landon]] was also inducted into the AHOF.


==Team records==<!--Do not update mid-season-->
==Team records==<!--Do not update mid-season-->
Line 265: Line 269:
===Single season===
===Single season===
:'''Goals:''' [[John LeBlanc]], 39 (1994–95)
:'''Goals:''' [[John LeBlanc]], 39 (1994–95)
:'''Goals by a Rookie:''' [[Daniel Brière|Daniel Briere]], 36 (1997–98)
:'''Goals by a rookie:''' [[Daniel Brière|Daniel Briere]], 36 (1997–98)
:'''Assists:''' [[Jean-Guy Trudel]], 65 (2000–01)
:'''Assists:''' [[Jean-Guy Trudel]], 65 (2000–01)
:'''Points:''' Jean-Guy Trudel, 99 (2000–01)
:'''Points:''' Jean-Guy Trudel, 99 (2000–01)
:'''Penalty Minutes:''' [[Rob Murray]], 373 (1994–95)
:'''Penalty minutes:''' [[Rob Murray]], 373 (1994–95)
:'''Appearances by a Goalie:''' [[Devan Dubnyk]], 62 (2008–09)
:'''Appearances by a goalie:''' [[Devan Dubnyk]], 62 (2008–09)
:'''GAA:''' [[Manny Legace]] 2.27 (1995–96)
:'''GAA:''' [[Manny Legace]] 2.27 (1995–96)
:'''SV%:''' [[Curtis McElhinney]], .923 (2012–13)
:'''SV%:''' [[Curtis McElhinney]], .923 (2012–13)
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===Career===
===Career===
These are the top ten scorers in Falcons' history.
These are the top ten scorers in Falcons' history.
'''''Note:''' Pos = Position; GP = Games Played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points
'''''Note:''' Pos = Position; GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|- style="text-align:center; font-weight:bold; background:#ddd;"
|- style="text-align:center; font-weight:bold; background:#ddd;"
Line 302: Line 306:
|}
|}


:'''Career Penalty Minutes:''' 1529 [[Rob Murray]]
:'''Career penalty minutes:''' 1529 [[Rob Murray]]
:'''Career Goaltending Wins:''' 64 [[Manny Legace]]
:'''Career goaltending wins:''' 64 [[Manny Legace]]
:'''Career Shutouts:''' 9 [[Curtis McElhinney]]
:'''Career shutouts:''' 9 [[Curtis McElhinney]]
:'''Career Games:''' 501 Rob Murray
:'''Career games:''' 501 Rob Murray
:'''Career Goals:''' 94 Ryan Craig
:'''Career goals:''' 94 Ryan Craig
:'''Career Shorthanded Goals:''' 5 [[Andrew Joudrey]]
:'''Career shorthanded goals:''' 5 [[Andrew Joudrey]]


===Single game===
===Single game===
:'''Goals:''' 4 [[Jean-Guy Trudel]], [[Daniel Brière|Daniel Briere]], [[Grant Potulny]], [[Chad Wiseman]], [[Jack Skille]]
:'''Goals:''' 4 Jean-Guy Trudel, Daniel Briere, [[Grant Potulny]], [[Chad Wiseman]], [[Jack Skille]]
:'''Points:''' 6 [[Chad Wiseman]]
:'''Points:''' 6 Chad Wiseman


==List of NHL affiliates==
==List of NHL affiliates==
Line 334: Line 338:
[[Category:Arizona Coyotes minor league affiliates]]
[[Category:Arizona Coyotes minor league affiliates]]
[[Category:Columbus Blue Jackets minor league affiliates]]
[[Category:Columbus Blue Jackets minor league affiliates]]
⚫
[[Category:Defunct ice hockey teams in Massachusetts]]
[[Category:Edmonton Oilers minor league affiliates]]
[[Category:Edmonton Oilers minor league affiliates]]
[[Category:Hartford Whalers minor league affiliates]]
[[Category:Hartford Whalers minor league affiliates]]
[[Category:Ice hockey clubs disestablished in 2016]]
[[Category:Ice hockey clubs disestablished in 2016]]
[[Category:Ice hockey clubs established in 1994]]
[[Category:Ice hockey clubs established in 1994]]
[[Category:Ice hockey teams in Massachusetts]]
[[Category:Sports clubs and teams in Springfield, Massachusetts]]
⚫
[[Category:Sports teams in Springfield, Massachusetts]]
[[Category:Tampa Bay Lightning minor league affiliates]]
[[Category:Tampa Bay Lightning minor league affiliates]]
[[Category:Winnipeg Jets minor league affiliates]]
[[Category:Winnipeg Jets minor league affiliates]]

Latest revision as of 12:05, 18 June 2024

Springfield Falcons
NicknameThe Birds
CitySpringfield, Massachusetts
LeagueAmerican Hockey League
Founded1994
Operated1994–2016
Folded2016 (now the Tucson Roadrunners)
Home arenaMassMutual Center
ColorsBlue, black, red, gray, white
         
General managerBruce Landon
MediaThe Springfield Republican
WHYN NewsRadio 560
WSHM-LD, WWLP
WGGB-TV
Franchise history
1994–2016Springfield Falcons
2016–presentTucson Roadrunners
Championships
Division titles4 (1995–96, 1997–98, 2012–13, 2013–14)

The Springfield Falcons were a former ice hockey team in the American Hockey League (AHL) and played in Springfield, Massachusetts, at the MassMutual Center.

In 2016, the Falcons' franchise was purchased by the National Hockey League (NHL)'s Arizona Coyotes and relocated to Tucson, Arizona, before the start of the 2016–17 AHL season.

History

[edit]

Beginning

[edit]
The Original Springfield Falcons logo used from 1994 to 2003

In 1994, the longtime AHL Springfield Indians team was sold to interests that moved the franchise to Worcester, Massachusetts, to become the Worcester IceCats (now the Abbotsford Canucks). Ex-Indian players Bruce Landon, then the general manager of the Indians, and Wayne LaChance, a local rink owner and former member of the Springfield Kings, secured an expansion franchise for Springfield for the 1994–95 season. The Indians name was still under trademark, so the new owners named the team after Andy and Amelia, a pair of nesting peregrine falcons that was a popular local civic symbol. The AHL, which was headquartered in nearby West Springfield, was keen to maintain a presence in a city that had hosted a team in the AHL or its predecessors for all but nine years since 1926, and readily granted an expansion franchise to Landon and LaChance.

The Falcons secured affiliation with both the Hartford Whalers and the Winnipeg Jets of the NHL. Since the Indians had been the Whalers' top affiliate in their last few years, this allowed the Falcons to secure most of the players who had played for the Indians the previous season. Veteran defenseman John Stevens (the last captain of the Indians, who shared the co-captaincy that first year with Rob Murray) scored the franchise's first goal.

Tavis Hansen and Daniel Briere score against the Saint John Flames

Among the Falcons' early notable players were Jean-Guy Trudel, the franchise's leading career goal and point scorer; Daniel Briere of the Colorado Avalanche; Manny Legace, the franchise's all-time leading goaltender and former St. Louis Blues starter; Nikolai Khabibulin, former Stanley Cup winning goalie; and Rob Murray, the franchise's long-time captain and inspirational leader. During the 2004 season, Springfield fans voted on the Web for the club's 10th Anniversary Team, and selected Briere at center, Trudel at left wing, Tavis Hansen at right wing, Brad Tiley and Dan Focht on defense and Legace in goal.

Individual honors won by Falcons players during their first thirteen seasons included the Baz Bastien Award given to the league's best goaltender (to Legace in 1996 and Scott Langkow in 1998), Briere winning the Red Garrett Award emblematic of rookie of the year and a nod as First Team All-Star center in 1998, Tiley winning the Eddie Shore Award for the league's outstanding defenseman in 2000 and Trudel winning a Second Team All-Star award in 1999–00.

After the Whalers relocated to become the Carolina Hurricanes, the Falcons were subsequently affiliated exclusively with the Jets, an affiliation that continued when that team became the Phoenix Coyotes in 1996. The team was then affiliated with the Tampa Bay Lightning between 2004 and 2007.

The team had finished in first place in its division twice and made the playoffs six times in its first nine seasons. However, after three seasons affiliated with Tampa Bay and nine straight losing seasons, the team announced that it was exercising its option to sever relations with the Lightning. On March 19, 2007, they announced an affiliation with the Edmonton Oilers beginning in the 2007–08 season until the conclusion of the 2009–10 season.[1]

Edmonton Oilers affiliation

[edit]

On August 3, 2007, the team hired former Edmonton Oilers player Kelly Buchberger to be the head coach. After posting a .500 record, the Oilers promoted Buchberger to be an assistant coach on the Oilers staff. On June 17, 2008, assistant coach Jeff Truitt was named the team's tenth head coach. He was fired in February 2009, after 50 games, and replaced by former Houston Aeros coach Rob Daum. The Falcons finished the 2008–09 season with the worst record in the AHL.

On June 23, 2009, Oilers general manager Steve Tambellini announced that Daum would remain the head coach of the Springfield Falcons through the 2009–10 season. From November 25 to January 1, the Falcons went on a franchise record 17-game losing streak, recording only five points in that span. The Falcons finished the 2009–10 season as the worst team in the AHL once again, and was the only team that did not win at least 30 games. The lone bright spot from the season was Charles Linglet being named a Second Team All-Star.

On February 9, 2010, the Edmonton Oilers announced that they were severing ties with the Springfield Falcons to move their affiliation to Oklahoma City, a decision that had been expected for months.[2]

Columbus Blue Jackets affiliation

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On March 25, 2010, the Columbus Blue Jackets announced a one-year affiliation agreement with a one-year option. Also introduced was a new jersey and logo. The new logo still had a falcon holding a hockey stick, but the background was changed to grey, the word Falcons to red, and the word Springfield to navy blue.[3] The new ECHL affiliation was with the Evansville IceMen.

Rob Riley, the former head coach at the United States Military Academy, was named the new head coach of the Falcons on August 3, 2010, replacing Daum. The Falcons opened the 2010–11 AHL season with a home-and-home matchup against the Providence Bruins. To honor the 75th anniversary of the AHL, each team wore throwback jerseys from 1936. The Bruins wore the jerseys of the Providence Reds while the Falcons wore the jerseys of the Springfield Indians. The Falcons won the first game in Providence 5–1, while the Bruins took the following game in Springfield 6–5.

On December 21, 2010, it was announced that the Falcons had been sold to Charlie Pompea, while Bruce Landon remained the minority owner, and continued to be the president/general manager.

During the 2011–12 season, the Falcons honored the Springfield hockey teams that had won the Calder Cup, wearing commemorative jerseys for those games, and honoring former coaches and players in pre-game festivities. Following the season, Rob Riley was fired as head coach after two seasons of missing the playoffs. Assistant coach Brad Larsen was named head coach for the 2012–13 season.

The 2012–13 season, beginning with the 2012–13 NHL lockout, saw the Falcons make the playoffs for the first time since 2003. With help of NHL players Matt Calvert, Cam Atkinson, Ryan Johansen, John Moore and Tim Erixon, the Falcons were able to take an early lead in both the Northeast Division and the Eastern Conference. When the NHL lockout ended and these players were called up to Columbus, the Falcons continued to stay at the top of the standings. All-Star play from goaltender Curtis McElhinney and forward Jonathan Marchessault, as well as veteran leadership from team captain Ryan Craig, helped guide the team to a first-place finish in the Northeast Division. On April 6, 2013, the Falcons qualified for the 2013 Calder Cup playoffs, ending a nine-year playoff drought, the longest in AHL history.[4] The Falcons defeated the Manchester Monarchs in the first round three games to one, with all of their wins coming in overtime. The Falcons playoff run came to an end at the hands of the Syracuse Crunch, as the Crunch swept the Falcons out of the playoffs in their second round matchup. Winger Jonathan Marchessault was named to the First All-Star team, while goaltender Curtis McElhinney was named a Second Team All-Star.

The 2013–14 Falcons set a team record for wins (47) and points (100).[5] They suffered a first round defeat in the playoffs at the hands of the Providence Bruins in five games.

On February 4, 2014, the Springfield Falcons announced that Bruce Landon would be retiring. Landon had served as president, general manager and co-owner since 1994. He remained with the team as director of hockey operations.[6] Sarah Pompea, the daughter of owner Charlie Pompea, was named the new team president.

While it was initially announced that the entire coaching staff would return to Springfield for the 2014–15 season, head coach Brad Larsen was promoted to an assistant coach in Columbus. On June 16, 2014, Columbus announced that Jared Bednar would become head coach and he continued to be joined by assistant coach Nolan Pratt, in addition to first year assistant Toby Petersen. In the 2014–15 season, the team set a franchise record with 11 consecutive wins. The streak lasted from November 14 through December 6, and propelled the Falcons back into first place in the Northeast Division. However, a poor March cost the team as they missed the playoffs, finishing in ninth place in the Eastern Conference.

Arizona Coyotes affiliation

[edit]

On April 17, 2015, the Springfield Falcons and Arizona Coyotes announced that they had reached a three-year affiliation agreement.[7] This was part of change of affiliations for the 2015–16 season where Columbus would have their AHL team in Cleveland, the Colorado Avalanche in San Antonio and the Florida Panthers would be tied to the Portland Pirates.[8]

The Coyotes hired Ron Rolston as the team's head coach, with Doug Janik and Mike Bavis as his assistants for the 2015–16 season. Dustin Jeffrey was named a Second Team All-Star, although he finished the season with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins after being traded at the trade deadline. The season was one of the worst in franchise history and marked the 11th time in 13 seasons that the club missed the playoffs, finishing with the second lowest points percentage in the AHL and the most regulation losses.

On April 19, 2016, the Arizona Coyotes signed an agreement to purchase the team. The Coyotes had been in negotiations to relocate the franchise to Tucson, Arizona, for the 2016–17 season and join the other AHL Pacific Division teams created in the previous season.[9]

On May 4, 2016, the Portland Pirates announced that it had signed a letter of intent with an outside buyer to sell and relocate the franchise for the 2016–17 season.[10] It was reported that the team would be relocated to Springfield following the pending sale and relocation of the Falcons franchise.[11]

The AHL Board of Governors conditionally approved of the sale and relocation of the Falcons on May 10,[12] pending approval of a deal through Tucson's city council.[13] On May 17, the Coyotes and the Tucson city council came to terms on a lease agreement for the 2016–17 season to meet the conditions of the AHL approval.[14] The team became the Tucson Roadrunners. The Pirates' sale and relocation to Springfield was approved on May 23,[15] to subsequently become the Springfield Thunderbirds.

This market was previously home to:

Season-by-season results

[edit]
Regular season Playoffs
Season Games Won Lost Tied OTL SOL Points PCT Goals
for 		Goals
against 		Standing Year Prelims 1st
round 		2nd
round 		3rd
round 		Finals
1994–95 80 31 37 12 — — 74 .463 269 289 5th, North 1995 Out of playoffs
1995–96 80 42 22 11 5 — 100 .625 272 215 1st, North 1996 — W, 3–1, PRO L, 2–4, POR — —
1996–97 80 41 25 12 2 — 96 .600 268 229 2nd, New England 1997 — W, 3–2, POR W, 4–1, PRO L, 3–4, HER —
1997–98 80 45 26 7 2 — 99 .619 278 248 1st, New England 1998 — L, 1–3, WOR — — —
1998–99 80 35 35 9 1 — 80 .500 245 232 3rd, New England 1999 — L, 0–3, HAR — — —
1999–00 80 33 35 11 1 — 78 .488 272 252 4th, New England 2000 — L, 2–3, HAR — — —
2000–01 80 29 37 8 6 — 72 .450 253 280 6th, New England 2001 Out of playoffs
2001–02 80 35 41 2 2 — 74 .463 213 237 5th, North 2002 Out of playoffs
2002–03 80 34 38 7 1 — 76 .475 202 243 4th, East 2003 W, 2–0 HAR L, 1–3, HAM — — —
2003–04 80 26 43 9 2 — 63 .394 179 234 7th, Atlantic 2004 Out of playoffs
2004–05 80 24 47 — 3 6 57 .356 161 255 7th, Atlantic 2005 Out of playoffs
2005–06 80 28 43 — 3 6 65 .406 220 312 6th, Atlantic 2006 Out of playoffs
2006–07 80 28 49 — 1 2 59 .369 181 268 7th, Atlantic 2007 Out of playoffs
2007–08 80 35 35 — 5 5 80 .500 214 257 5th, Atlantic 2008 Out of playoffs
2008–09 80 24 44 — 8 4 60 .375 188 258 7th, Atlantic 2009 Out of playoffs
2009–10 80 25 39 — 12 4 66 .413 207 296 8th, Atlantic 2010 Out of playoffs
2010–11 80 35 40 — 2 3 75 .469 232 253 6th, Atlantic 2011 Out of playoffs
2011–12 76 36 34 — 3 3 78 .513 217 231 4th, Northeast 2012 Out of playoffs
2012–13 76 45 22 — 5 4 99 .651 235 186 1st, Northeast 2013 — W, 3–1, MAN L, 0-4, SYR — —
2013–14 76 47 23 — 1 5 100 .651 247 212 1st, Northeast 2014 — L, 2-3, PRO — — —
2014–15 76 38 28 — 8 2 86 .566 192 209 3rd, Northeast 2015 Out of playoffs
2015–16 76 26 42 — 3 5 60 .395 194 265 8th, Atlantic 2016 Out of playoffs

Players

[edit]

Retired numbers

[edit]

Note: Former AHL President Jack Butterfield and Vice-President Gordie Anziano, longtime Springfield residents, were honored with banners raised with the retired numbers.

Team awards

[edit]

At the end of each season, the team awarded individual players with:

  • The Jim Denver "Good Guy" Award
  • The Al Lawrence Best Defensive Player Award
  • The Florence Kurdziel "Unsung Hero" Award
  • The Muriel Strauss Good Sportsmanship Award
  • The Dick Casey True Grit Award
  • The Ross Lowe Award as team MVP

Team captains

[edit]

Notable NHL alumni

[edit]

List of Springfield Falcons alumni who played at least 100 games in Springfield and played 100 or more games in the National Hockey League:

AHL Hall of Fame members

[edit]

List of Springfield Falcons alumni later inducted into the AHL Hall of Fame.

In addition, team owner Bruce Landon was also inducted into the AHOF.

Team records

[edit]

Single season

[edit]
Goals: John LeBlanc, 39 (1994–95)
Goals by a rookie: Daniel Briere, 36 (1997–98)
Assists: Jean-Guy Trudel, 65 (2000–01)
Points: Jean-Guy Trudel, 99 (2000–01)
Penalty minutes: Rob Murray, 373 (1994–95)
Appearances by a goalie: Devan Dubnyk, 62 (2008–09)
GAA: Manny Legace 2.27 (1995–96)
SV%: Curtis McElhinney, .923 (2012–13)
Shutouts: Curtis McElhinney, 9 (2012–13)

Career

[edit]

These are the top ten scorers in Falcons' history. Note: Pos = Position; GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points

Player Pos GP G A Pts
Jean-Guy Trudel LW 228 90 152 242
Rob Murray RW 501 61 157 218
Daniel Briere RW 169 88 129 217
Jason Jaspers C 317 86 114 200
Ryan Craig LW 305 94 86 180
Brad Tiley D 239 33 130 163
Tavis Hansen C 298 79 79 158
Eric Healey LW 178 57 80 137
Jason McBain D 208 35 87 122
Rob Schremp F 147 30 88 118
Career penalty minutes: 1529 Rob Murray
Career goaltending wins: 64 Manny Legace
Career shutouts: 9 Curtis McElhinney
Career games: 501 Rob Murray
Career goals: 94 Ryan Craig
Career shorthanded goals: 5 Andrew Joudrey

Single game

[edit]
Goals: 4 Jean-Guy Trudel, Daniel Briere, Grant Potulny, Chad Wiseman, Jack Skille
Points: 6 Chad Wiseman

List of NHL affiliates

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Edmonton Oilers reach affiliation deal with Springfield Falcons". National Hockey League. March 19, 2007. Retrieved October 19, 2021.
  2. ^ Chimelis, Ron (February 10, 2010). "Edmonton Oilers decision to activate AHL team in Oklahoma City leaves Springfield Falcons without NHL affiliation". The Republican. Retrieved October 19, 2021.
  3. ^ "Columbus Blue Jackets and Springfield Falcons Reach an American Hockey League Affiliation Agreement". Columbus Blue Jackets. March 25, 2010. Retrieved October 19, 2021.
  4. ^ "First four teams are in". American Hockey League. April 6, 2013. Retrieved April 6, 2013.
  5. ^ "FALCONS END REGULAR SEASON WITH RECORD WIN, POINT TOTALS". Springfield Falcons. April 19, 2014. Archived from the original on April 22, 2014. Retrieved April 22, 2014.
  6. ^ "Bruce Landon stepping down as Springfield Falcons president and part owner". The Republican. February 4, 2014. Retrieved February 4, 2014.
  7. ^ "Coyotes Announce New Affiliation Agreement with Springfield of the AHL". Arizona Coyotes. April 17, 2015. Retrieved April 17, 2015.
  8. ^ "Falcons, Monsters, Rampage swap NHL affiliates". American Hockey League. April 17, 2015. Archived from the original on April 17, 2015. Retrieved April 17, 2015.
  9. ^ "Coyotes Sign Agreement to Purchase Springfield Falcons AHL Franchise". Arizona Coyotes. April 19, 2016. Retrieved April 19, 2016.
  10. ^ "Portland Pirates Sign Letter of Intent to Relocate Franchise". OurSports Central. Portland Pirates. May 4, 2016. Retrieved May 4, 2016.
  11. ^ "Portland Pirates to leave Maine and move to Springfield, MA". WCSH. Retrieved May 4, 2016. [dead link‍]
  12. ^ "American Hockey League Announces Franchise Transaction". OurSports Central. May 10, 2016. Retrieved May 10, 2016.
  13. ^ "AHL board approves sale, relocation of Coyotes' affiliate". USA Today. Associated Press. May 10, 2016. Retrieved May 10, 2016.
  14. ^ Shapiro, Sean (May 17, 2016). "AHL officially headed to Arizona after unanimous vote by Tucson City Council". Wrong Side of the Red Line. Archived from the original on May 21, 2016. Retrieved May 21, 2016.
  15. ^ "American Hockey League Announces Franchise Transaction". OurSports Central. May 23, 2016. Retrieved May 23, 2016.
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