Graphic: The AHL

The Springfield Thunderbirds will become the AHL affiliate of the St. Louis Blues, as the two teams announce a five-year agreement that begins in the 2020-21 season. The affiliation will run through the 2024-25 campaign.

“We are pleased to announce our affiliation agreement with the St. Louis Blues. Our two organizations share a commitment to community, fan engagement, and putting a first-rate product on the ice. With this partnership, we believe the future is bright for professional hockey in Springfield,” said Nathan Costa, President of the Thunderbirds.

The Thunderbirds first took the ice at MassMutual Center with the 2016-2017 season as the affiliate for the Florida Panthers.  That affiliation will remain in place for the rest of the 2019-2020 season.

The Blues’ current affiliate, the San Antonio Rampage, was sold to the Vegas Golden Knights earlier this season.