"Together We Can" program raises over $100K for community causes

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The Springfield Thunderbirds have once again proven themselves champions off the ice, wrapping up the 2024-25 season with over $100,000 raised for community causes through their "Together We Can" partnership with M&T Bank.

The initiative, which emphasizes outreach and support for organizations across Western Massachusetts, also featured more than 400 community appearances by players and the team’s mascot, Boomer.

“As we approach our 10th anniversary, our commitment to being a true champion for the Western Massachusetts community has never been stronger,” said Thunderbirds President Nathan Costa. “Partners like M&T Bank help us go even further, and we’re continually inspired by the generosity and resilience of the 413.”

The extensive outreach spanned a variety of efforts, from charitable game nights to youth-focused educational programs. Among the standout events was the team’s School Day Game on Nov. 6, which welcomed more than 6,000 students to the MassMutual Center for a blend of hockey action and classroom learning through a custom T-Birds workbook supported by Fontaine Bros. Construction and MassMutual.

The Thunderbirds also championed animal welfare at their Pucks & Paws Night on Nov. 15, where each “dog ticket” benefited the Foundation for TJO Animals. Meanwhile, the annual Teddy Bear Toss on Dec. 7 collected a record 7,162 stuffed animals, which were distributed to more than 15 local organizations serving children and families.

Hunger relief played a central role in the team’s continued support of the Rock 102 Mayflower Marathon, where the Thunderbirds’ Nov. 22 game helped boost total donations to over $236,000 for the Open Pantry. The team also mobilized aid for natural disaster victims with Hurricanes for Hurricane Relief in November and a January campaign in partnership with the Springfield Fire Department that raised $4,000 for California firefighters affected by wildfires.

The team’s annual Hockey Fights Cancer Night on Nov. 30 saw forward Sam Bitten once again lead the charge with Bitsy's Army merchandise and fundraising, honoring his cousin’s memory and supporting brain cancer research. Proceeds benefited Baystate Children’s Hospital, CHD’s Cancer House of Hope, and other regional cancer charities.

The season also saw the return of signature events like Pink in the Rink, which raised $38,300 for the Rays of Hope Foundation in March, and Military Appreciation Night, which featured an on-ice enlistment ceremony and supported local veterans’ organizations.

Continuing its commitment to inclusivity, the club’s Sensory-Friendly Sunday on March 16 offered a welcoming environment for fans with sensory sensitivities. With support from MAACO, the team began offering free Sensory Bags—including headphones and sunglasses—for all home games.

In the realm of education, the Stick to Reading program encouraged students at over 50 schools to develop a love of books in exchange for game tickets. Boomer’s Reading Club, led by T-Birds forward Drew Callin, expanded its partnership with the Springfield City Library to reach seven branches, donating more than $1,500 in resources to support local readers.

On the ice, the T-Birds’ “Practice with the Pros” program, presented by Dunkin’, gave young athletes the chance to train with their heroes at more than 25 local rinks. Youth teams were also honored at the MassMutual Center during the GSL Parade of Champions.

“M&T Bank is honored to play a role in strengthening the communities in the Pioneer Valley in such a meaningful way," said M&T Bank Senior Vice President Maureen Picknally. "We are deeply committed to our community partners and strive to make a positive impact in people’s lives and in the communities we serve.”

With the season behind them, the Thunderbirds continue looking ahead to new ways to give back. As the franchise nears a decade in Springfield, its identity as a community-first organization remains firmly in place.