(Springfield)
Pond Rats – founded in 1969
Dedicated to
Hockey Mediocrity
The history of the Pond Rats is a long and cherished one dating
back four score and seven years….oh hell, just a long
time ago. In 1969 along the shores of Lake Massasoit (Watershops
Pond) in Springfield, Massachusetts, the term “Pond Rats” seems
to have had is first official origin. Prior to this time
there had been undocumented usages of the term by local youth;
but in 1969 with the formation of the first official team for
competition, the title Springfield Pond Rats, first appeared
in the “The Springfield Union”, the daily newspaper. Records
shows this first season was a mediocre one at best, the Rats
posting a rather dismal 3-11 tally on the season. Undaunted
the team into its second year with a mindless spirit that has
become its trademark.
Over what’s feels like the last century, we have seen
many changes to the fabled Pond Rats. Soon after its founding
the team was forced to relocate from Western Massachusetts to
the Boston area, dropping the Springfield from its official name. This
loss of local identity resulted in a steady drop in attendance
that has continued to the present day. Then in 1986 the closing
of their home rink at Gordon College forced the team to abandon
is familiar outdoor setting for the confines of the traditional
indoor arena. Finally, the recent decision to introduce
to introduce color and design changes in the away jerseys, a
dramatic shift from its traditional “blue and white”,
has sent a ripple of discord amongst its meager but loyal following. But
one thing has remained constant over the years…the teams’ unwavering
commitment to ice hockey mediocrity.
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