 The 2025-26 season couldn’t have started stronger for the Springfield PICS U15 squad — dominant at the Jr TBirds Invitational!
3-1 on the weekend Tournament Champs Zero goals allowed in the final Round Robin Results: Win 8-3 vs. Jr TBirds National Bound Win 3-2 vs. Boston Advantage Loss 2-3-vs. Yale Showcase Final: 2-0 win over Yale to seal the title! This group came ready to compete, and they delivered with grit, skill, and unity. The PICS are setting the tone for a season of high expectations — building toward becoming Western Mass’s premier full-season Midget Hockey program, with a clear path to the NCDC and beyond.  The Springfield PICS are proud to announce that Forward and Captain Levi “Ben” Adcock (04) of Montclare, Virginia has made his NCAA Division III commitment to Rivier University Men’s Hockey Program in Nashua, New Hampshire. Levi has just completed his 3rd Premier season with PICS. The Captain has appeared in 129 Premier/Junior games in the iconic PICS sweater. In his three years as a player within the organization Ben has amassed 132 points with 50 Goals and 82 assists.
 The Springfield PICS are proud to announce that Defenseman Frederic D’Amours (04) of Mont-St-Hilaire, Quebec Canada has made his NCAA Division III commitment to Manhattanville University Men’s Hockey Program in Purchase, New York. Frederic in his second season with the Premier squad has appeared in over 87 games to date with 18 Goals, 34 Assists. As a mainstay on the back end D’Amours brings a good amount of size and grit along with his leadership.
 The Springfield PICS are proud to announce that Forward Chris Foster (04) of Amherst, Massachusetts has made his NCAA Division II commitment to Franklin Pierce University Men’s Hockey Program in Rindge, New Hampshire. Foster has been with PICS organization at every level it offers U15, U16 (League Champions), Jr Elite and 3 years with the Premier squad and appeared in over 200 games in the iconic PICS sweater. Foster's career with the PICS he amassed over 200 points with 71 Goals and 138 Assists within the organization.
 Springfield PICS:
The Springfield PICS are proud to announce that Defenseman Nick Zanin (04) of West Stockbridge, Mass has made his NCAA Division III commitment to Rivier University Men’s Hockey Program in Nashua, New Hampshire. Nick has been with the PICS from his youth at U15, U16, Jr Elite and now in his 3rd Premier season. Nick has appeared in over 100 Junior games but also over 205 games in the iconic PICS sweater. In his seven years as a player within the organization Nick has amassed over 100 points and with the 2024/25 season being a breakout year with 20 Goals and 33 assists. Nick Zanin: I am very happy to announce my commitment to play hockey at Rivier University this fall for Coach Millerick. I would like to thank Coach Bonneau, Coach Beaudoin, John and Ant Sarno, Vern Smith, all my teammates I've played with and the whole Springfield Pics organization for the last 7 years. I would also like to thank my family for all their support and making this all happen. I’m really looking forward to getting up to Rivier, and starting this next journey. When GM and Head Coach Rob Bonneau was asked about Nick’s commitment this is what he had to say: Nick is the poster child of what can be done with hard work and determination. I have had the pleasure of knowing Nick and his family for the last 7 seasons as he has been a member of the Springfield Pics program and has played at every level we offer. It has been a pleasure to watch Nick grow into one of the top players in the league. We wish Nick and Rivera the best in the next 4 seasons.  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.”
 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!” |
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