LANDON'S BLOG - FROM THE DESK OF THE GM

From the Desk of Bruce Landon - June 5, 2009 - 3:00 pm

It is time for an update on what is happening with the Falcons.  With the recent announcement of Pat Quinn as the new coach of the Edmonton Oilers, we expect an announcement on who will be guiding the Falcons coming sometime soon. 

Free agency begins on July 1st and the Oilers are expected to be very active in offering contracts to players who may very well be ticketed for Springfield.  At the end of the season we addressed our needs for the coming season and a plan has been put in place to add some much needed help at forward and defense. 

I understand that we had a few season ticket holders upset that we sent out statements to them for the 2009-10 season before they had made their decision to renew.  This is actually a standard policy followed by all teams in the AHL.  During a ticket conference call between all teams back in March, we were advised that we should be doing this.  It is the first year we have done so.  I personally will reach out to those that complained and explain everything to them.  Sometimes change is hard to accept and I certainly understand why some people were a little put off by this move. 

We launched the first ever Falcons’ street hockey team this summer.  The first game was played against a media “all star” team at Amelia Park in their outside rink.  The Falcons came away with a victory but it was close.  Mike “the voice” Kelly almost became the first Falcon of the year to go on IR, as the combination of warm weather and being out of shape did not sit well with him.  Bob “pass the ball please” Oliver showed the moves that made him a “star” on his West Side team a long time ago.  Assistant Coach Gerry Fleming made his debut and for those that knew Gerry from his playing days, it was a good thing there was no contact.  Gerry is an imposing figure at 6’5” and that is not on skates.  Rumor has it that Shaggy from KIX 97.9 wanted to drop the gloves with him.  The next game is trying to be scheduled for June 25th against a team made up of coaches from the Westfield Youth Hockey Association. 

We continue to hear from former Falcons who check in with us.  Michael Schutte sent me an email the other day and said he would like to return to North America next season and would love to return to the Falcons.  Michael had a real good season a couple of years back with Providence.  For those that may recall Mike left college a year early to pursue a pro career and showed good offensive instincts.  He can play defense and forward which can be a real asset to a team.

My good friend Bruce Boudreau and I hooked up the other day for a long conversation about hockey and many other things.  It is so nice to see things turn out so well for one of the real good genuine guys in our game.  He was obviously very disappointed about his loss to Pittsburgh in game seven, but he has not lost his sense of humor.  He told me he was asked to throw out the first pitch at a Washington Nationals game.  He said they are off to such a tough start that they may want him to go three innings.  Bruce also sent me an autographed picture that I gave to my friend Bob Ledoux who owns Collins Tavern.  It is now hanging proudly on the wall at the Tavern, along with many other former players who played here in Springfield.

Opening night is scheduled for Saturday, October 3rd.  If you are interested in one of our ticket packages please give the office a call at 739-3344. 

Have a good summer,
Bruce