Springfield College to Join ECHC’s New England - DIII Division in 2025-26

The Empire Collegiate Hockey Conference (ECHC) is proud to officially welcome Springfield College to its New England - DIII Division for the 2025-26 season. The Pride will join divisional opponents Quincy College, Brown University, and Nichols College, bringing with them a respected history and a program eager to compete at a high level.

Located in Springfield, Massachusetts, the Pride previously competed in the ACHA M3 ranks as a member of the NECHA Colonial South Division, where they captured division titles in both 2016-17 and 2017-18. Now, as part of the growing ECHC structure, Springfield steps into a revitalized competitive landscape featuring regional rivalries and a league focused on development, structure, and opportunity.

The Pride will continue to call Smead Arena home, located just minutes from campus. Last season (2024-25), Springfield posted a 4-14 record, highlighted by a dramatic overtime win against WPI on December 7. Despite the up-and-down season, the team displayed promise with a mix of veteran leadership and impactful newcomers.

Leading the team offensively was standout freshman forward Preston Cloutier, who impressed in his debut season with 6 goals and 18 assists for 24 points in 17 games. He was followed closely by Michael Brouillard, a third-year player, who netted 11 goals and 9 assists for 20 points, and sophomore Troy Senn, who recorded 10 goals and 10 assists in his second season. In goal, freshman netminder Dominic Tsoukalas saw action in 13 of the team's 18 games, gaining valuable experience and establishing himself as a reliable presence between the pipes.

Springfield’s move to the ECHC opens the door to new opportunities for the program to elevate its profile, attract recruits, and build meaningful rivalries within a conference known for its competitive balance and structured growth.

With the 2025-26 season on the horizon, the ECHC is thrilled to welcome Springfield College as it embarks on a new chapter in its hockey history. The Pride enter the ECHC as an energized program ready to compete, develop, and contribute to the conference's continued rise as a premier destination for collegiate non-varsity hockey.

Photo Credit: A.J. Arkoette I @shot_by_a.j.__ (Instagram)

ABOUT THE EMPIRE COLLEGIATE HOCKEY CONFERENCE:
Founded in 2009, the Empire Collegiate Hockey Conference (ECHC) is an intercollegiate hockey conference dedicated to promoting competitive non-varsity hockey across the Northeastern United States. The ECHC features teams competing at the Division I, Division II, and Division III levels within AAU College Hockey. The conference is committed to delivering a premier hockey experience emphasizing student-athlete development, academic achievement, and sportsmanship. The Empire Collegiate Hockey Conference is a 501(c) not for profit organization.