T-Birds, Bruins Close Preseason Home-and-Home in Providence

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The Springfield Thunderbirds will look to pick up their second straight win over the Providence Bruins on Saturday as the two teams will meet at the Dunkin' Donuts Center for a 7:05 p.m. ET puck drop.

 

Friday's contest in Springfield at the MassMutual Center saw a bevy of penalties on the two clubs in the game's first 20 minutes, with the Thunderbirds taking advantage first. Newly acquired Curtis Valkpositioned himself off to the side of the net, and fellow AHL first-year player Maxim Mamin found Jayce Hawryluk in the slot. Hawryluk had his shot rebound off goaltender Mac Carruth and onto the waiting stick of Valk.

 

Armed with the 1-0 lead midway through the first, the Thunderbirds would not take long to extend their advantage, as Chase Balisy received a chip pass from Mikkel Aagaard and snapped an offering through Carruth at 12:08 to make it 2-0 Springfield.

 

At the other end, rookie goaltender Sam Montembeault was very strong in his first taste of AHL action. A 28-game winner with Blainville in the QMJHL a season ago, Montembeault was tested early, making a flexible right pad save on a Ryan Fitzgerald breakaway in the game's opening minutes.

 

Montembeault built off that impressive save and provided stability on the back end for the Thunderbirds. The only goal to squeak through Montembeault came on a deflection by Phil Lane in the dying minutes of the middle period.

 

Springfield's power play struck once on Valk's opening goal, while the penalty kill went a perfect 6-for-6 in the preseason opener. Tonight's contest in Providence will not be broadcasted live, but fans can follow along for updates on the Thunderbirds official twitter, @ThunderbirdsAHL.

 

The Thunderbirds begin the regular season right back in Providence on Saturday, Oct. 7 for a 7:05 p.m. ET puck drop. Coverage can be heard live on NewsRadio 560 WHYN.

 

Springfield will open its 2017-18 home ice schedule on Saturday, Oct. 14 for a matchup with the rival Hartford Wolf Pack; the action begins with a pre-game Block Party from 4-6 p.m. ET at Court Square, featuring live music from Trailer Trash, followed by the game itself at 7:05 p.m. ET.

 

Ticket memberships, including season tickets, are on sale now, starting at just $12 per game. Thunderbirds Full Season Ticket Members receive the most benefits, including a refillable collector’s mug and a commemorative jersey. For more information or to order now, call (413) 739-GOAL (4625) or visitwww.SpringfieldThunderbirds.com.