Springfield Thunderbirds host community caravan at Forest Park

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Thunderbirds fans in Springfield headed to Forest Park on Saturday for a community caravan.

Fans were thrilled to see players and staff during the off season while fundraising for a good cause.

Todd McDonald, the Vice President of Sales and Strategy for the Springfield Thunderbirds told 22News, “When there’s not games going on, it’s hard to stay connected. So this is just a way for us to see them during the off season.”

The Springfield Thunderbirds put on their second Community Caravan of the summer this year. It was filled with local vendors, musicians and face paint, all while donating to a local non-profit.

Keith Allen, the community relations coordinator for the Springfield Thunderbirds said, “We do a donation to a non-profit at every single one. This year’s the Grey House in Springfield so we donated a bunch of baby supplies, things that they needed to help the community.”

If you missed Saturday’s event, you can have some fun at the next Community Caravan on August 17th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Amelia Park.

Keith Allen added, “The beneficiary for that one will be Rachel’s Table, another food donation place.”

Fans are enjoying the change of scenery. With the hockey season right around the corner captain Matthew Peca is looking forward to seeing Springfield back at games. He told 22News, “Every game’s a lot of energy. Our fan base is very passionate, like I said they are loud. It’s just a great atmosphere all together and you kind of feel part of a family community here in Springfield”

Opening night for the Springfield Thunderbirds is just around the corner, Saturday October 12th at 7:05 p.m. at the MassMutual Center, where they’ll take on the Laval Rocket.

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