Springfield Hockey LLC, the new AHL affiliate of the NHL’s Florida Panthers, today announced that Springfield native and current American Hockey League executive Nathan Costa will serve as the franchise’s executive vice president.
“We are thrilled to have Nate on board to lead our franchise,” said Paul Picknelly, a member of the ownership group. “He is a rising star in the industry and someone with an unmatched understanding of what makes an AHL franchise successful.”
Previously the AHL’s vice president of team business services, Costa will lead the day-to-day business operations of the franchise, overseeing everything from marketing and ticket sales to promotion and community engagement.
In his six and a half years with the AHL, Costa worked closely with all 30 franchises to improve team business operations, share best practices, develop staff, and help onboard new franchises.
"Nathan’s guidance and leadership over the past several years has been instrumental in helping teams throughout the league improve their business practices and ultimately achieve success," said David Andrews, President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Hockey League. "I am confident that he will be able to do the same for Springfield."
Springfield Hockey, LLC also announced today that Bruce Landon has signed a consulting agreement to serve the new franchise in an advisory capacity. Landon, a 2016 inductee into the AHL Hall of Fame, has been involved in Springfield professional hockey for 47 years.
