SPRINGFIELD – Springfield’s own “Mr. Hockey” received a rare honor.

The street running from Main to Dwight streets, formerly known as Falcons Way, is now known as Bruce Landon Way.

On July 19, Mayor Domenic Sarno and other elected officials as well as hockey fans and the ownership and staff of the new Springfield Thunderbirds, gathered at the corner to see the unveiling of the new street sign.

Sarno said of Landon, “With his head, heart and gut he has always been involved in Springfield professional hockey.”

Paul Picknelly, one of the owners of the Thunderbirds, recalled how after the announcement the Falcons would be leaving Springfield he called Landon for advice on how to acquire and organize a new team.

“If it weren’t for Bruce Landon there wouldn’t be hockey today with the Springfield Thunderbirds,” Picknelly said.

Picknelly noted the new owners and Landon had “literally a matter of days” to make the team a reality if it were to hit the ice in the fall.

Landon thanked his family, who joined him for the unveiling, as well as the many people with whom he worked since 1977 when his playing career ended and his administrative career began.

“I’m truly honored to be standing here today, Landon said. “It’s been a long road but it’s been a fun road.”

He admitted that after the Falcons left he doubted there would be hockey in Springfield again.

Landon urged the region to support The Thunderbirds. “We need to make sure to support this franchise,” he said. He noted Springfield is one of only 30 cities to have an American Hockley League team.

Nathan Costa, the executive vice president of The Thunderbirds said he is “humbled for the chance to follow in his footsteps.”

Costa said The Thunderbirds are almost fully staffed and the season ticket sales have been “great.”

“Things are moving in the right direction,” he said.

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