major started play with boston's affiliate the providence bruins of the american hockey league. he scored 26 points along with 176 pims during the 1993–94 season, but providence failed to make the playoffs. he was let go by the bruins, and joined the detroit vipers of the ihl for the following season. he continued to play aggressively, with his 36 points and 229 pims helping push the vipers into the playoffs, but his play couldn't help them past the second round.