SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – The Springfield Thunderbirds are pleased to announce a multi-year expansion of their partnership with Baystate Health and its health plan, Health New England. As part of the new agreement, Baystate Health becomes the official jersey patch partner of the Thunderbirds and will be prominently featured on all T-Birds primary and specialty jerseys beginning this season. From the everyday home and road sweaters to the team's fan-favorite specialty jerseys, including the pink sweaters worn during Pink in the Rink, Baystate Health will be front and center all season long.

“Baystate Health and Health New England have consistently supported the Springfield Thunderbirds and we share a strong commitment to invest in our community,” said Peter D. Banko, President & CEO of Baystate Health. “Expanding our partnership extends what our two community pillars – both deeply rooted in Springfield – can do together. We are looking forward to a future together where we further activate the relationship to better serve our neighbors and Western Massachusetts. We are excited for another winning season and a deep playoff run.”

Baystate Health's impact on the Thunderbirds extends well beyond game night. As the Official Healthcare Provider of Choice of the Thunderbirds, Baystate works hand in hand with the team's athletic training staff to care for players and hockey operations personnel. Dr. Seth Gemme, Chief Physician Executive of Baystate Health, serves as the Associate Medical Director for the Thunderbirds and has been in this role since 2018. Fans will also continue to see Baystate Health and Health New England, the health plan owned by Baystate Health, throughout the MassMutual Center, with an in-ice logo, ceremonial puck drops, playoff game sponsorship, and hospitality nights for the organization’s team members.

“Baystate Health has been an incredible partner from the very beginning, and we're tremendously proud of what this relationship has meant to our organization and to the Greater Springfield community,” said Thunderbirds President Nathan Costa. “Their commitment to Western Massachusetts aligns perfectly with our own, and together we've created some truly special moments at the Thunderdome. Few nights capture that better than Pink in the Rink, which has become one of the most meaningful traditions on our calendar. Seeing Baystate's name on our jerseys is a fitting next step, and we're excited to keep building on that impact for years to come.”

Baystate Health has served as the primary sponsor of Pink in the Rink since the game's debut in 2017, and the annual March celebration of breast cancer survivors has become one of the signature nights on the Thunderbirds' calendar. The game also kicks off fundraising season for Rays of Hope, which supports breast cancer care, research, and education through the Baystate Health Foundation, and has raised more than $200,000 for breast cancer research to date through Pink in the Rink nights alone.

The Thunderbirds open the 2026-27 home-ice schedule in Springfield on Saturday, Oct. 10 for Opening Night against the Laval Rocket. A 6:05 p.m. puck drop is scheduled inside the MassMutual Center.
Thunderbirds' 2026-27 season tickets are available now - fans can reserve their seat by visiting www.SpringfieldThunderbirds.com or by calling (413) 739-GOAL (4625).

About Baystate Healthcare
Baystate Health is a not-for-profit, integrated healthcare system with hospitals, physician practices, a health plan and more serving over 800,000 people throughout western New England. Baystate Health is the safety net provider in Western Massachusetts. With roots dating to the founding of Springfield Hospital in 1883, Baystate Health has been providing high-quality, compassionate and accessible care in the Pioneer Valley for more than 140 years and continues to be a pillar of its community – rooted here, serving here, and helping generations thrive here. With a focus on advancing health for all, Baystate is not only a keystone of the region, it is a national leader in healthcare. Learn more at BaystateHealth.org.