Deal between Lightning, Springfield ending

The decision ends a three-year relationship and terminates a contract with two years left.

By DAMIAN CRISTODERO
Published March 20, 2007

TAMPA - As expected, the Lightning and its AHL affiliate in Springfield, Mass., will part ways after the season, the teams announced Monday.

The decision ends a three-year relationship and terminates a contract with two years left.

Lightning general manager Jay Feaster declined comment about a new affiliate, though it is believed Norfolk, Va., in the last year of a deal with the Blackhawks, is a strong possibility.

Feaster said Tampa Bay will not share a team: "We have not wavered in terms of the commitment we feel and the importance we feel about the minor-league development process."

But Springfield was light on offensive skill and young on defense and is out of the playoffs for the fourth straight season and sixth of seven. Falcons president Bruce Landon said average attendance has fallen 2,000 to about 3,300.

"Things just haven't worked out," Landon said by phone, terming the breakup "a mutual agreement. ... Sometimes change is necessary for both parties."

Landon said he has "nothing but respect" for Feaster and praised coach Steve Stirling and assistant Darren Rumble, both of whom, Feaster said, will be with the new affiliate.

"We weren't looking to leave," Feaster added. "At the same time, we're trying to be a good corporate partner and not hurt his business."

[Last modified March 20, 2007, 01:11:17]