The Springfield Thunderbirds have announced that veteran coach Steve Ott will remain at the helm for the next two seasons, signing a two‑year contract extension that locks in his leadership through the 2028‑29 AHL campaign.
Ott, who took over the franchise on Jan. 19, 2026, inherits a team that already tasted playoff success under his guidance, having guided the Thunderbirds to the Division Finals and a surprising upset over the Providence Bruins earlier this year.
Under his direction, the club not only secured a berth in the 2026 Calder Cup Playoffs but also knocked out the Charlotte Checkers before falling to the Bruins in a hard‑fought series, a run that marked the deepest postseason push in the franchise’s recent history.
The coach’s résumé includes a 14‑year NHL playing career, a Stanley Cup championship with the St. Louis Blues in 2019, and a stint as an assistant on the Blues’ staff beginning May 25, 2017, where he contributed to a 350‑244‑74 regular‑season record and five playoff appearances.
Future Outlook
With the extension in place, general manager Doug Armstrong expressed confidence that Ott’s blend of playing grit and coaching acumen will keep the Thunderbirds competitive as they aim for a Calder Cup title in the coming seasons.