SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The Springfield Thunderbirds returned from their holiday break to face off with their nearby rivals, the Hartford Wolf Pack. This season, the Thunderbirds have had a strong record against them, winning four out of five games. Fans were ready to see these two teams take to the ice for another thrilling matchup. "I think a victory over Hartford, it's kind of like when you're playing your locals, you're playing your rivalry. It's good to beat Providence. It's good to beat Hartford. Fans are usually the place is sold out and everybody's up for the big game," said Kurt Rafferty of Connecticut. The Tbirds won Friday night, 5 to 2. Their next home game is Saturday against the Bridgeport Islanders. Local News Headlines Springfield Thunderbirds face off Hartford Wolf Pack at MassMutual Center Store deadlines & policies to keep in mind before returning any holidays gifts Chicopee recognizes Kwanzaa with celebration Preventing carbon monoxide poisoning WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.