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- calendar_today October 15, 2026
Springfield Thunderbirds Prepare for 2026-27 with Staff Updates
The Springfield Thunderbirds have revealed a series of staff promotions and new hires ahead of the upcoming 2026-27 American Hockey League (AHL) season. These changes aim to strengthen the club’s business operations and enhance the fan experience inside the Thunderdome.
New Team Hires Announced
This season, Kayleigh Bollin joins as an inside sales specialist. Bollin, a Martha's Vineyard native and former assistant general manager with the Martha’s Vineyard Sharks of the New England Collegiate Baseball League, brings relevant experience to the role. She is a Lasell University alumna.
Tommy Dlugolenski has been hired as an administrative assistant. Originally from North Granby, Connecticut, Dlugolenski has worked with the Thunderbirds’ promotional street team and community relations since 2024 and graduated from SUNY-Oswego in 2025.
Brandon Boucher will serve as head intern for the Thunderbirds’ game operations staff. Boucher, an undergraduate at Springfield College, is entering his second season with the team’s game-night crew and will oversee in-game entertainment for fans.
Andrew “Guam” McCormic steps into the role of retail coordinator. McCormic brings five years of game-night experience with the organization and graduated from Springfield College in 2025. He will support the team’s merchandise department, collaborating with brand development staff to innovate new products for supporters.
Staff Promotions Strengthen Organization
The Thunderbirds have also recognized three veteran staff members with new responsibilities for the coming season. Andrew Buchanan has been promoted to ticket sales manager. Since joining in 2021, Buchanan has contributed to the franchise’s annual recognition by the AHL for reaching key sales milestones.
Jim Lawless is now senior business development and retention executive. Lawless joined the Thunderbirds in 2021 as head intern, gradually rising through the ranks. In his new role, he will focus on maintaining relationships with season ticket members while continuing to support the ticket sales staff.
Drew Supernor received a promotion to director of brand development and merchandise. Supernor, part of the original Thunderbirds staff since the team’s founding in 2016, has played a crucial role in developing specialty-night promotions—including Ice-O-Topes Night, Pink in the Rink, and Dropkick Murphys Irish-inspired events—to engage fans and expand the team’s brand.
Commitment to Community Outreach
The Thunderbirds’ community outreach efforts remain a focal point of the organization. Through Dlugolenski and the community relations team, the Thunderbirds, along with mascot Boomer, participate in more than 350 charitable appearances annually across Western Massachusetts. These efforts underscore the team’s dedication to building strong community ties beyond the ice.
Award-Winning Operations
The Thunderbirds organization has been recognized for its performance and achievements in recent years. The club was awarded the AHL’s President’s Award as Team of the Year in 2022, and the staff has consistently reached notable business milestones since the franchise’s establishment.
Looking Ahead to the 2026-27 Season
With these recent promotions and new hires in place, the Springfield Thunderbirds are set to continue their tradition of operational excellence as the 2026-27 AHL season approaches. The organization looks forward to supporting its fanbase, delivering engaging events, and maintaining strong community connections throughout the year.
Source: wwlp.com.
