Hockey enthusiasts from across New England converged on the Eastern States Exposition last weekend to commemorate a milestone that has defined the city’s sporting identity for a full century.
A Century of Ice in Springfield
The celebration brought together former players from the Thunderbirds and the Bruins, who shared stories of bygone eras while fans bid on rare jerseys and equipment in silent and bag auctions.
Exclusive Springfield Hockey merchandise lined the aisles, offering collectors a chance to own a piece of the sport’s history, while multiple displays showcased vintage sticks, skates and photographs that traced the evolution of the game in the region.
Local officials and community leaders praised the event as a unifying moment that not only honors the past but also inspires the next generation of players to carry the tradition forward on the ice.