HELMER BECOMES THIRD PLAYER TO SKATE IN 19 AHL SEASONS

Springfield, Mass. - Springfield Falcons defenseman Bryan Helmer became the third player to skate in 19 AHL seasons in the league's 77-year history when he took the ice against the Connecticut Whale on Friday evening at the MassMutual Center.

Helmer joins Willie Marshall and Fred Glover, who each played in 20 AHL campaigns.

A native of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Helmer is third in AHL history with 1,094 games played to Marshall (1,205) and Glover (1,201). He is the league's career leader among defensemen with 562 points and 433 assists.

Helmer also became the first 40-year-old player to participate in a game for the Falcons in their 19-year history on Friday.

A recap of tonight's game between the Falcons and Whale will be posted following the action on FalconsAHL.com.