T-Birds Look to Snap Skid against Marlies

Springfield, Mass. - The Springfield Thunderbirds (0-3-0-0) will look to crack into the win column for the first time this season on Sunday as they host the Toronto Marlies (3-1-0-0) at the MassMutual Center for a 3:05 p.m. puck drop.

 

The Marlies have started their season winning three of their first four contests. Toronto defeated Springfield in two matchups last season, holding the Thunderbirds to just two goals over those two games. Toronto picked up a 3-2 win in Providence last night against a Bruins team that defeated Springfield twice to start its campaign.

 

Toronto's lone loss in the young season came in a 5-2 loss to the Hartford Wolf Pack on Friday night, the same club that spoiled Springfield's home opener, 4-3 on Saturday.

 

Andreas Johnsson and Ben Smith have led the way offensively through four games for Toronto, combining for four goals and four assists. In net, Garret Sparks has won two of his first three starts for the Marlies, posting a 2.36 goals against average in the process. Sparks won both of his starts against Springfield last season, allowing just a single goal in each contest.

 

Springfield will try to get back to its winning ways on home ice after falling last night for the first time at the MassMutual Center since March 29. Juho Lammikko has discovered an offensive touch to lead Springfield's offense with three points in the teams' first three games. Lammikko sparked an attempt at an improbable comeback in the third last night, assisting on a Reece Scarlett goal before tallying a power play goal of his own in the game's final 20 seconds.

 

Despite trailing 4-1 with less than four minutes to play, the Thunderbirds cut the Hartford lead to 4-3 before running out of time in the comeback attempt. Jayce Hawryluk picked up the first goal of the night for Springfield on Saturday off a blue line slapper.

 

Harri Sateri fell to 0-2-0 in the Springfield net despite making 34 saves in the loss. Sam Montembeault made 25 stops in a narrow 3-2 defeat on Friday night, his first professional start.

 

The Thunderbirds return to home ice for the first 3-2-1 Friday on October 20 as they host the Providence Bruins. Rene Rancourt will perform the national anthem as he makes his annual pilgrimage to Springfield, presented by King Ward Coach Lines. Through the end of the first period, Coors Light drafts are just $3, hot dogs are just $2, and sodas are available for $1.

 

Springfield Thunderbirds fans are encouraged to visit www.SpringfieldThunderbirds.com to learn more about Thunderbirds Season Ticket Memberships. Packages start at just $12 per game, and 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.