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Hockey in Springfield: Images of Sports That Capture the Spirit of a City

Neal Ward

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Published in Hockey In Springfield (Images Of Sports)

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Hockey is a sport that has been synonymous with the city of Springfield, Massachusetts for over a century. From the early days of the Springfield Indians to the present day Springfield Thunderbirds, hockey has been a source of pride and passion for the city's residents. Hockey in Springfield: Images of Sports captures the excitement and passion of hockey in the city of Springfield. This book features over 200 photographs that showcase the history of hockey in Springfield, from the early days of the Springfield Indians to the present day.

The Early Years

The Springfield Indians were founded in 1926 and quickly became one of the most successful teams in the American Hockey League (AHL). The Indians won the Calder Cup, the AHL's championship trophy, in 1929 and 1936. The team's success was due in large part to the play of some of the greatest players in AHL history, including Eddie Shore, Bill Cowley, and Frank Brimsek. Shore was a defenseman who was known for his physical play and his ability to score goals. Cowley was a forward who was one of the most prolific scorers in AHL history. Brimsek was a goalie who was known for his acrobatic saves. The Indians played their home games at the Springfield Municipal Auditorium, which was one of the most famous hockey arenas in the country. The Auditorium was known for its intimate atmosphere and its passionate fans. The Indians played at the Auditorium until 1972, when they moved to the Springfield Civic Center.

Hockey in Springfield (Images of Sports)

by Jim Mancuso

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	43989 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	128 pages

The AHL Years

The Indians continued to be a successful team in the AHL after moving to the Civic Center. The team won the Calder Cup again in 1975 and 1990. The Indians were one of the most popular teams in the AHL and their games were always well-attended. The team's success was due in large part to the play of some of the greatest players in AHL history, including Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, and Jaromir Jagr. Gretzky was a centerman who is considered to be the greatest player in hockey history. Lemieux was a centerman who was known for his scoring ability and his physical play. Jagr was a right winger who was known for his speed and his skill. The Indians played their home games at the Civic Center until 2016, when they moved to the MassMutual Center.

The NHL Years

The Springfield Thunderbirds were founded in 2016 as the AHL affiliate of the Florida Panthers. The Thunderbirds play their home games at the MassMutual Center. The team has been successful in its short history, making the playoffs in each of its first three seasons. The Thunderbirds are led by some of the most promising young players in the NHL, including Anthony Duclair, Owen Tippett, and MacKenzie Weegar. Duclair is a forward who is known for his speed and his scoring ability. Tippett is a forward who is known for his skill and his hockey IQ. Weegar is a defenseman who is known for his physical play and his ability to move the puck.

Hockey in Springfield: Images of Sports captures the excitement and passion of hockey in the city of Springfield. This book features over 200 photographs that showcase the history of hockey in Springfield, from the early days of the Springfield Indians to the present day. Hockey in Springfield is a must-read for any fan of hockey or sports history.