Springfield celebrates 100 years of professional hockey
Jul 26, 2026
Springfield celebrated 100 years of professional hockey on Saturday night at the Eastern States Exposition.
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A major milestone in Springfield sports history
was celebrated tonight also at the Eastern States
Exposition.
Tonight local fans and former players gathered to
celebrate 100 years of Springfield professional
hockey.
which dates back to 1926 when the Springfield Indians
began playing for the American Hockey League at the
Eastern States Coliseum.
The event put on by the non-profit Springfield Hockey
Heritage Society featured merchandise, silent auctions,
multiple jersey and equipment displays, and much
more.
22 spoke with a former Springfield Indians player
from the 1980s who looked back at his time on the
team and what it means to see the Thunderbirds now
continue that legacy.
I came this spring to a game here in Springfield with
the Thunderbirds.
The fans support the team.
The place was sold out.
The team was fantastic.
It's just a great atmosphere here in Springfield and
they really support their hockey.
Organizers say the event not only honors the past
but also helps ensure that Springfield's hockey history
continues to be shared with new generations.