D McCoshen Sent to T-Birds; Thompson to Report Upon Clearing Waivers

Springfield, MA – The Springfield Thunderbirds received a pair of new players on Monday as a result of more transactional moves by the Thunderbirds' NHL affiliate, the Florida Panthers.

Panthers President of Hockey Operations Dale Tallon announced today that defenseman Ian McCoshen has been assigned to Springfield and will report to the Thunderbirds.

Additionally, forward Paul Thompson has been placed on waivers and upon clearing waivers will be assigned to the Thunderbirds.

The 21-year-old McCoshen (6-feet-3, 217 lbs) is in his first professional season after spending each of the last two years with the Boston College Golden Eagles out of Hockey East. He recorded 12 goals and 25 assists over a 75-game college career. McCoshen also represented the United States at the World Junior Championship in both 2015 and 2016. 

Thompson, a 27-year-old veteran from Methuen, N.H., has a veteran career in the AHL dating back to 2011. On two occasions, the 6-foot-1-inch, 200-pound winger has scored 20 or more goals in an AHL season, including a career-high 33 tallies in 2014-15 with the Albany Devils. Thompson made his NHL debut last season with the New Jersey Devils, appearing in three games.

Springfield plays its first-ever AHL game on Saturday, Oct. 15 against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms in Allentown, Pa. at 7:05 p.m. ET. Coverage can be heard on NewsRadio 560 WHYN as well as on AHL Live. 

The Thunderbirds will open MassMutual Center play on Saturday, Oct. 22 for Opening Night presented by MGM Springfield against the St. John's Ice Caps. Preceding the game is the T-Birds Tailgate from 4-6 p.m. at Court Square, adjacent to the MassMutual Center. 

Opening Night packs are available, courtesy of Dunkin’ Donuts, for the first regular season home game in Thunderbirds history. Packages start at $75 and feature two Opening Night tickets, four ticket vouchers, a commemorative puck, and a $5 Dunkin’ Donuts gift card.

Interested in being part of the next era of AHL hockey in Springfield? Springfield Thunderbirds Season Ticket Memberships start as low as $12 per game and feature the most exclusive benefits, including a commemorative jersey. For more information, fans may call the Thunderbirds ticket office at (413) 739-GOAL (4625).