T-Birds, Sheriff’s Office, YWCA Partner for Domestic Violence Awareness Night
SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Thunderbirds, in partnership with the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office and the YWCA of Western Massachusetts, announced the groups’ collaboration for Domestic Violence Awareness Night at the Thunderbirds’ game on Saturday, April 4 against the Syracuse Crunch.
The T-Birds and the Sheriff’s Office will work in conjunction with the YWCA of Western Massachusetts, which provides shelter, support services, and tools for self-sufficiency for women and girls in the community. Prior to the game, the Thunderbirds will wear specialty jerseys during pregame warmups. Fans will have the chance to win the jerseys with jersey raffle tickets. The proceeds will directly benefit the YWCA.
“The Hampden County Sheriff’s Office has been proud to stand with the YWCA of Western Massachusetts for many years in supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. The work they do every day changes lives across our region,” Sheriff Nick Cocchi said. “We’re grateful to partner with the Springfield Thunderbirds to turn a great night of hockey into something even bigger — an opportunity for our community to come together, have some fun, and support an organization that provides hope and safety to so many families. I hope people will join us on April 4 and help make it a great night for a great cause.”
Central to the YWCA’s mission is supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, while working to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Each year, the organization provides critical services to nearly 12,000 individuals across Western Mass.
“We at the YWCA of Western Massachusetts are extremely grateful for Sheriff Cocchi’s continued support and partnership to help spread awareness for domestic violence,” said Elizabeth Dineen, CEO of the YWCA of Western Massachusetts. “To be recognized during a Springfield Thunderbirds game will help us expand our reach and ensure that more children and families receive the care they need. It is especially apropos, given that April is Sexual Assault Awareness and National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Thank you to the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office and the Springfield Thunderbirds for making this event possible.”
Thunderbirds President Nathan Costa added that “we’re proud to stand hand-in-hand with the YWCA of Western Massachusetts and the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office to raise awareness around domestic violence and support the critical work being done for survivors in our community. Using our platform to amplify causes like this is not just important — it’s our responsibility. Nights like this are about more than hockey; they’re about coming together as a community to show support, foster understanding, and help ensure that those impacted know they are not alone.”