BRUCE LANDON ISSUES OFFICIAL STATEMENT

Springfield Falcons President and General Manager Bruce Landon released the following statement today in regards to an article printed in the July 8 edition of the Springfield Republican newspaper:  

 

“The article that appeared today (July 8) in the Springfield Republican newspaper was very premature and incorrect.  The headline insinuated that Oklahoma City has landed an AHL franchise.  Oklahoma City, like other cities in the United States and Canada, has expressed interest in the AHL.  There is or was no formal presentation by Oklahoma City for an AHL franchise.  The Edmonton Oilers have expressed an interest in Oklahoma City.  This is old news and was reported last year.  Edmonton has the right to discuss opportunities beyond the 09-10 season of which they have kept myself up to speed on all these developments.

“Springfield also has the opportunity to explore options beyond the 09-10 season as well.  I have been approached by several NHL teams as to what our plans are beyond the 09-10 season.  However, these NHL teams are currently under contract with other AHL teams and it wouldn’t be fair to my fellow AHL partners to openly discuss this matter at this time.

“The statement in today’s paper that said I wasn’t available for comment is 100% inaccurate.  I have always made myself available to the media 24/7.  Nobody from the Springfield Republican newspaper took the time or effort to contact me.  Furthermore, even though we only have one year remaining on our affiliation agreement with Edmonton, I can assure everyone that every effort is being made by the Oilers to make us competitive this season.  In addition, as everyone knows, we have one year remaining on our lease agreement at the MassMutual Center.  However, I have had positive preliminary discussions with the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority and plan on meeting with them over the next few weeks.”