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Springfield Pics Junior Team Merger Announcement

The Junior Falcons Eastern Jr. Hockey League (EJHL) and Empire Jr. Hockey League (EMJHL)  teams  are proud to announce our merger with the Springfield Pics of the Continental Jr. Hockey Association (CHA)  and the Bay State Bucs Midget team members of the NEMHL.

This merger is going to provide Western Mass with the best possible representation at each level. This allows us an avenue to develop our players in the best possible atmosphere. By having the resources of the EJHL, EMJHL, CHA, and NEMHL all in the same program will allow for a development program that is second to none. Players will be competing in the best  15-20 year old development leagues in the country. Our players will be placed on the team that best suits their development needs and not placed on a team to fill out a roster.

With the amount of midget and junior programs out there today, it creates watered down teams, especially in a smaller area like Western MA.  In today’s game you don’t often see programs that put their egos aside and do what is best for hockey in the area, this merger was for one purpose to give back to the game and provide the best possible training ground for the area.

Taking over as Head Coach of the Empire team is Rob Bonneau, Rob brings to the table a wealth of playing experience which includes Captain at UMass-Amherst where he still currently is on the all time leading scorer list. Upon graduation from UMass he went on to play pro hockey at the AHL, ECHL, and IHL levels. Rob has brought the same passion that made him a great player into his coaching, which is evident by the number of his players seen moving on to the Jr. A and college ranks.

The CHA team will be guided by Head Coach Erik Tondrea; Erik joins the CHA team after successfully operating and coaching the Bay State Bucs for the past three seasons, winning back to back league championships in his first two seasons. Skill development is his main focus and takes pride in his game and practice preparation. As a player Erik was the ultimate team player, his coachability and understanding of the game made for a smooth transition to the coaching ranks.

The Bay State Bucs Midget program will provide an environment for our players to develop while also competing in a quality league and not loosing that competitive edge which often happens at the midget level where full season teams don’t commonly participate in a full season league. The staff includes Coach Tondera, and Coach Chapdelaine. Also working with the team will be the EJ and Empire staff.

There will be an OPEN re-evaluation skate for ALL players interested in the Empire, CHA, and NEMHL teams. This includes all players currently under contract, this skate will also allow for you to ask any questions you may have about the merger and new development program to our staff.

Yours in hockey,
Patrick Tabb
GM/Head Coach EJHL Junior A Falcons

Rob Bonneau and Brian Collins would also like to announce all of the Springfield Pics Youth Development teams will be moving all their Eastern Hockey Federation games and practices to their new home at Olympia Ice Center in West Springfield, MA. Practices and games times will be announced at a later date.