 The Springfield Pics are proud to announce the commitment of Dominic “Dom” Balboni from West Springfield, Massachusetts to NCAA Division III Westfield State University Men’s Hockey program for the 2024-2025 season. He has been a key player for the Springfield Jr. PICS and donned the historic jersey in over 255 games at the U15, U16 (Back to Back League Champion) Jr. Elite and Premier level. In his time at the junior level with both Elite and Premier Dom lit the lamp 95 times, garnering 119 assists. When asked about his commitment to play NCAA Hockey GM and Head Coach Rob Bonneau had this is what he had to say; “Dom was a very special player for the Springfield Pics as he has played at every level we offer. Dom can play forward and defense and has great offensive abilities. He will be missed but he will be close at Westfield State. We wish Dom all the best over the next 4 years at Westfield State and look forward to watching him play at the college level”.
 The Springfield Pics are proud to announce the commitment of Josh Tisdell of Chicopee, Massachusetts to NCAA Division II Franklin Pierce University Men’s Hockey program for the 2024-2025 season. Josh is another player who has worn the historic jersey for over 162 games through multiple seasons as a U15, U16, U18 and the Premier level. He lit the lamp 12 times, garnering 56 assists but it was his steady defensive play that had him on the ice in all situations. When asked about his commitment to play NCAA Hockey this is what he had to say; “I am very happy to announce my commitment to play hockey at Franklin Pierce University this fall. I would like to thank my family as well as the Springfield Pics organization and coaches for all of their support”.
GM and Head Coach Rob Bonneau on Tisdell: “We are very excited to hear that Josh has committed to Franklin Pierce. He is a player who started on our U16’s as a 14 year old; moved to and played for Skipjacks (U18’s) and came back to our Premier team for the past 2 seasons. Josh is an offensive defenseman who had the ability to impact the game with his play due to his size and tenacity. He played his best hockey in the playoffs. We are looking forward to watching Josh the next 4 seasons at Franklin Pierce and wish him all the best.”  The Springfield Pics are proud to announce that Thatcher Berman from Blanford, Massachusetts has committed to Mass Maritime Academy AAU Men’s Hockey program for the 2024-2025 season. Thatcher has grown up in the system from U15’s, U16’s as well as Jr Elite for the Springfield PICS. In 119 games Berman brought with him a work ethic and leadership on and off the ice that not only produced 9 goals and 17 assists but also the respect of his entire team. When asked about his commitment to play college Hockey this is what he had to say; “I am very excited to begin the next phase of my hockey career with Massachusetts Maritime Academy. I would like to thank everyone involved in the PICS organization. My coaches, teammates, and family have prepared me to the fullest extent to take on the next step in both life and my hockey career. I truly could not have done it without both the environment and community tha the PICS have provided me with throughout my years with them”.
GM and Head Coach Rob Bonneau on his commitment: “Thatcher has been a Springfield PIC since he was 14 years old. It was like watching him growing up in our program. We saw Thatcher transition from defenseman to forward back to defenseman throughout the years. He brings tremendous work ethic with skill and grit which will transition to Mass Maritime. We wish Thatcher the best at Mass Maritime and look forward to watching him play there”. Pics Elite Head Coach Chris Beaudoin: “Thatcher has been an elite player for the past two years and has been a leader on and off the ice. He is a coachable kid that would play any position that he was asked. Thatcher is a strong skater with sneaker skills. Mass Maritime is getting a great all around person”.
 Springfield Ma: The Springfield PICS are proud to announce that alum Goalie Connor McAnanama of Agawam, Mass has signed a Pro Contract with the Binghamton Black Bears of the Federal Prospect Hockey League (FPHL). Connor was a stand out goalie for the PICS U18’s before being signed to an NCDC contract of the UPSHL. Connor then suited up for the NCAA Division III UMass, Boston Men’s Hockey team.
When GM Rob Bonneau was asked about Connor’s signing: “Connor was a tremendous goalie for our u18 team the only season he played for the Springfield Pics. He caught the attention of the Bandits NCDC Coach and played 2 seasons for them before attending UMass Boston. Connor spent last season as our goalie coach but had always the itch to still play. It’s no surprise and a proud moment to get the call from Connor to hear his excitement on signing a pro contract. We will miss him as our goalie coach but wish him the best”.  Springfield PICS are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of long time Coach Brian Collins. He will always be remembered & never forgotten. Collins a legend on the bench for the PICS will be missed by his family, friends & the hockey players he helped along their path.
Coach Brian Collins 1957-2023. Brian Collins, age 65, passed away on July 30, 2023 at Baystate Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Springfield on Dec 14, 1957 to the late Thomas Patrick and Mabel (Nelson) Collins. Brian grew up on Hungry Hill with his 3 brothers, Tom, John, Kevin and his one sister, Candy. Being the youngest in this Irish Catholic Family on Hungry Hill, Brian learned his most valuable lesson that you do anything for family and family is everything. Brian met the love of his life in 1984, and married Kathleen (Leonard) on October 18th 1986. Together they were blessed with two beautiful children, Brian James and Kayla Marie. Brian understood from the beginning of his family life that he needed to carve his own way in the world and he started his own electric business, Springfield Electric with his brother Tom. His integrity and hard work has been known by many tradesmen throughout New England for the past 30 years. Besides his family and his business, Brian was passionate about his favorite past time, hockey! He played the sport throughout his youth, including the Springfield Pics' under Coach Gary Dineen. Brian was known as "Coach" since 1989, coaching both Brian and Kayla in the sport he loved. Brian was president of the Holy Name Hockey Association for many years moving onto to coach the Springfield Pic's, with his nephew Rob Bonneau. Brian had the biggest heart and often made sure that any child that wanted to play hockey, could play – not letting money stand in the way of equipping young people with everything they would need to play the sport he so loved. Brian's other passion in his life was his car collection – a hobby that became a love with his most recent purchase, a 1969 Camaro, that he just acquired last week. However, the life he loved so much still wasn't complete until he became a "Papa" to his two granddaughters, McKenna and Hailey. The light and love that showed through Brian becoming a grandfather was clearly evident to anyone who saw him with his two princesses. Brian was larger than life and his passing will leave a void in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. The world is a much better place for Brian Collins being part of it. Besides his loving wife Kathy and his daughter, Kayla, Brian leaves his son Brian James and his wife Kristyn of Longmeadow, his brother Kevin and his wife Mary of Springfield, his brother John and his wife Maryann of Florida and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Thomas and his sister, Candice Collins. Visiting Hours will be held on Fri, Aug 4, 2023 from 10 am until 2 pm at Sampson Chapel of the Acres, 21 Tinkham Rd. Springfield with a prayer service to begin at 2 pm. Burial is Private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Brian Collins Memorial Youth Hockey Fund C/O New Valley Bank, 1930 Wilbrham Road, Springfield, MA 01129.  Nick Foster 2 year premier player has committed to Norwich
The Springfield Pics are proud to announce the commitment of 2 year Premier player Nick Foster of Amherst, Mass to NCAA Division III Norwich University Men’s Hockey for the 2023-2024 season. Nick spent two years with the Premier squad and appeared in over 80 games for the club. Nick spent the past season in the CCHL starting in Pembroke before finishing out the season with Brockville Braves in which he appeared in 33 regular season games and 12 playoff appearances. When asked of his commitment: “First off I would like to thank Coach Bonneau, Coach Collins, the Sarno brothers, and the entire Pics organization. It was an honor playing there and with the support and dedication of the entire Springfield Pics staff the transition to Canadian Jr A hockey was seamless. I am forever grateful for the opportunities playing with the Pics afforded me”. When GM and Head Coach Rob Bonneau was asked of Foster’s commitment to Norwich this is what he had to say: “Nick is a tremendous kid who has earned everything with hard work. “When he played for us he was used in every situation and had many great games with us. In his last season of junior hockey Nick played in CCHL for Pembroke and Brockville where he was the teams defensemen of the year. We wish Nick and his family the best in the next chapter in his life at Norwich” PICS U16 Coach and College Placement Coordinator John Sarno had this to say: “Nick is a tremendous skater very strong on his skates and the puck. It was great seeing him commit to a top notch and prestigious NCAA team like Norwich University. He was a great player for pics premium squad and in Pembroke & Brockville of the CCHL in Canada. Well Done Nick and big pics congratulations!”  Pics 4 year Alumni Connor O’Brien commits to NCAA Div III SUNY Canton
The Springfield PICS are proud to announce the commitment of Veteran player at U16, Elite and Premier Connor O’Brien of Wilbraham, Mass to NCAA Division III SUNY Canton Men’s Hockey for the 2023-2024 season. Connor appeared in over 200 games in a PICS jersey with 55 goals and 88 assists for a total of 143 points. When asked of his commitment: I just want to thank Rob Bonneau and the entire Pics organization for helping me become the player I am today. Going into my first year with the organization I was a defensemen and John and Anthony Sarno said I was a much better fit at forward, so with their help I made the switch. I can’t thank them enough for helping me find who I was as a player. I developed a lot in Springfield and I have to thank the organization for doing that, they pride themselves in development and getting players to the next level and they did that for me. Coach Bonneau coached an old style of hockey which helped me because I play that power forward role and getting into the corners and dirty areas is where I thrived. I also have to thank my family for believing in me and giving me all the opportunities to play at the next level. I will be attending SUNY Canton this upcoming year and I can’t wait to get there. Coach Alex Boak runs an amazing program and is a great coach. School hasn’t started yet but I already feel like I’m a part of their family. Go Roos GM and Head Coach Rob Bonneau had this to say: “Connor is a great kid who has a tremendous shot which will allow him to score goals at the next level. Connor's biggest attribute is his personality, a fun loving player who knows when to get serious. It was a privilege to watch Connor grow and become a young man from U16 to Elite and 2 years at the Premier level. I look forward to watching Conor the next 4 years and wish him and his family the best. Head Coach of the U16’s John Sarno: “I coached Conor at the U16 PICS AAA level and the U18/Elite level. It was a pleasure to coach him because he finished every check and he backchecked every game like it was a championship on the line. He scored big goals when needed and also a big hit when needed. Conor plays the game the right way, we're very excited for “Obi” committing to powerhouse NCAA Suny Canton well done and best of luck!” |
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