The kids were dancing to "Bird is the Word" when they saw themselves on the video board.
Springfield Falcon Jonathan Audy-Marchessault is popular with fans both on and off the ice.
One thing has remained consistent ever since the Falcons were hatched in 1994 - the pride we take in providing family entertainment. It is very evident, now that we have had a first-place team since almost the start of the season, that the future of the franchise lies not just in the hands of the pure hockey fans, but more importantly with families and the many groups who attend the games.
Recently I received a wonderful email from a woman from South Hadley. She had attended her first hockey game on March 2 as part of our "Pink in the Rink Night." She brought her young son and daughter to the game. She remarked in her email what a wonderful time they had and how much the kids enjoyed themselves. The kids were dancing to "Bird is the Word" when they saw themselves on the video board. She said it made their night. She went on to thank our staff for being treated to what she called a first-class event.
About three weeks ago one of our long-time corporate partners, Ted Hebert from Teddy Bear Pools, asked me if there was any way that he could bring two kids down to meet Jonathan Audy-Marchessault, who is their favorite player. I told Ted to stop by the office with the kids after the Sunday afternoon game. Mom, Dad and the two kids waited and Jonathan came out of the dressing room and spent some time with the kids. He posed for pictures, signed everything they had and, as he was getting ready to go back in the dressing room, the young girl asked if she could have a hug. It was a special moment for these two young Falcon fans. A few days later I received a beautiful thank you note signed by the family, along with a drawing the kids did of them with their favorite player.
It is these kinds of things that make us realize that yes, we are a professional sports team in the second-best hockey league in the world and the entire region should be proud of this franchise, but just as importantly we touch the lives of so many young kids in such a positive way. It is why this year we have ramped up our promotional schedule and our community outreach activities and why it will remain a primary focus for us next year as well. It is why team owner Charlie Pompea recently announced the formation of the new Falcons Charitable Foundation, whose mission statement is to enrich the lives of children and families throughout Greater Springfield by promoting awareness of education, exercise and health.
Thanks to all of the wonderful fans who support us and especially to the families who find Falcons hockey as an exciting and entertaining way to spend time with their kids.
Bruce Landon is president and general manager of the Springfield Falcons. He can be reached by commenting on this blog or sending him an e-mail at blandon@falconsahl.com. For more information visit the team website.