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Jr. Thunderbirds Set to Compete in 2025 MA Hockey State Tournament

By Jr. Tbirds Staff 11/05/2025, 5:00pm EST

The Springfield Jr. Thunderbirds are proud to announce that both the U16 and U18 National Bound teams will compete in the 2025 Massachusetts Hockey State Tournament, set to begin this weekend in Marlboro, MA. The tournament brings together the top-ranked teams in Massachusetts as they battle for a coveted spot at the USA Hockey Nationals.

The Jr. Thunderbirds’ U18 team enters the competition ranked 5th in the state and 14th in the nation. The team is led by longtime Midget Coach Kevin Kervick, with assistant coaches Luke Stevens (Yale ’20, Pro 2020–2023) and Artie Potter (Cathedral ’13).

U18 Teams Competing:

  1. Boston Jr. Eagles
  2. River Rats
  3. Brookline Whalers
  4. Islanders HC East
  5. Springfield Jr. Thunderbirds
  6. Boston Little Bruins
  7. Militia Hockey
  8. Islanders HC West

 

The U16 team, currently ranked 7th in the state, is led by coaches Ryan Cloonan (Boston University ’19, Pro 2019–2020) and Matt Foley (Yale ’20, Pro 2020–2023).

U16 Teams Competing:

  1. River Rats
  2. Boston Jr. Eagles
  3. Cape Cod Whalers
  4. Islanders HC East
  5. South Shore Kings
  6. Militia Hockey
  7. Springfield Jr. Thunderbirds
  8. American Hockey Academy

 

Many of the athletes on these rosters began their hockey journey with the Jr. Thunderbirds as Mites. The organization is proud to see how far these players have come and looks forward to all that lies ahead in their hockey careers.

The Jr. Thunderbirds organization extends its best wishes to all players and coaches as they represent the program and community at the state level.

#WeAre413Hockey #RollTbirds

Welcome to the Springfield Jr. Thunderbirds

The Springfield Jr. Thunderbirds provide a competitive hockey experience for boys and girls players at all age levels. Offering structured hockey development programs, the Jr. Thunderbirds’ rosters include players from over 20 states and Canada.

We are a Tier 1 National Bound program.  Our teams play in the highly competitive E9 and Boston Hockey Leagues; widely considered one of the top leagues in New England. 

The Jr. Thunderbirds, formerly known as the Springfield Rifles, partnered up with the AHL's Springfield Thunderbirds on Feb. 9, 2022.

For information on becoming a Jr. T-Bird, email us by clicking Here

Jr. Thunderbirds Apparel

In addition to Bertelli's great selection of Jr. T.Birds apparel, you can conveniently shop from the comfort of your home (or car)!

Visit https://www.dkhockey.com/springfield-junior-thunderbirds/

Player openings!

  • 2015 2 skaters
  • 2016 2 skaters 
  • MITES 
  • 2017 2 skaters
  • 2018/19 3 skaters 
  • MITE DEVELOPMENT  5 players
    please contact Cory Chianciola  cchianciola@comcast.net

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Jr. Tbirds & Springfield Rangers News

 

Coaches have been set! Athletes have been working hard on & off the ice..25-26 season we are ready! 

Interested in becoming a Jr. T-bird or Springfield Rangers?

Contact Cory Chianciola 

Quick Links

    Jr. Thunderbirds, 2023 USA Hockey National Champions

    Congrats, Jr. Thunderbirds Hockey School Co-Director Matt Foley!


    Jr. Thunderbirds Hockey School Co-Director Matt Foley and his Belfast Giant teammates won the prestigious Challenge Cup trophy yesterday in Belfast defeating the Fife Flyers 8-3 in the Championship game.

    The Springfield Jr. T-Birds are one of the fastest growing youth hockey organizations in New England. This growth, based in the success of our players, was formed in the “T-Bird Way” - balancing both hockey development and competition.

    Thank You!

    I just wanted to reach out and thank everyone for coming to TBirds training camp last week. T-Birds camp is something I look forward to every year and helping develop youth hockey players is something I really enjoy doing. My hope is that I was able to teach each athlete a few things that they can continue to work on and bring into this upcoming season. In addition I hope every player had as much fun as us coaches. Thank you to all the parents and grandparents that helped get each player to the rink and on the ice on time. Thank you players for coming to the rink each day ready to work and learn. Lastly, thank you for asking questions and being as engaged as you all were. As coaches that’s something we really appreciate and did not go unnoticed.

    Thank you all again for such a fun week!

    I wish everyone the best of luck with your upcoming seasons and hope to see you around the rink soon

    John Leonard

    2025 INFO

    Former Jr. Thunderbirds John Leonard (Arizona Coyotes), Ryan Leonard (Washington Capitals), Peter Crinella (Guildford Flames), and Matt Foley will instruct the training camp alongside active collegiate and professional hockey players and coaches.  

    "This training camp has always been a great experience.  It means a lot to work with kids who play for the same teams as we did at their age.  We take a lot of pride in developing our favorite concepts and training techniques, learned from all the places our careers have taken us, and bringing them back home for camp." - John Leonard

    "What makes TBirds Training Camp unique is that it really is a training camp.  It falls right before the season and the ice sessions are run accordingly. Getting the participants back in hockey shape, sharpening their skills, and building good habits, allows them to hit the ice running.  Feeling 100% right from the start really benefits them throughout the entirety of the season." - Matt Foley

    RIFLES COLLEGE COMMITTMENTS

    BREEDING SUCCESS

    WALL OF FAME: PRO

    Congrats to former JR TBird Ryan Leonard! 8th overall pick in 2023 NHL Draft

    Congrats to former JR TBird Ryan Leonard! 8th overall pick by the Capitals in 2023 NHL Draft

    2025 TBirds Training Camp Registration is OPEN

    Registration opened on April 5! We are still finalizing details but grab a spot TODAY. 

    Camp fee is $395 before July 15 and $450 after. Camp runs Monday, August 18-Thursday, August 21. REGISTER HERE


    Congrats to Pope Francis Prep: 2022-23 MA State Champs!