The Springfield Jr. Blues have placed hundreds of players in NCAA hockey in their 25 year history. Below is an update on Springfield alumni currently playing competitive hockey. We will pick 5 players a week to feature, so be on the lookout for your favorite Springfield Jr. Blues alumni!
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MIKE MCKENNA (Texas Stars,AHL/Dallas Stars, NHL)– Former Springfield Jr. Blues goaltender Mike McKenna was called up to the NHL’s Dallas Stars from their AHL affiliate on Monday. This season, McKenna has a 5-5-1 record with the Texas Stars of the AHL this season with an .871 save percentage and a 3.51 goals against average. Dallas plays this Tuesday and Wednesday, so there may be a chance that McKenna will see his first NHL ice time since the 2014-15 season.
MATT LEON (Peoria Riverman, SPHL)- Former Springfield Jr. Blues goaltender Matt Leon saw his first professional hockey action over the weekend. Leon made 25 saves on 28 shots in a 4-3 shootout loss for the Peoria Rivermen in the Southern Professional Hockey League.
MATHESON IACOPELLI (Rockford IceHogs, AHL)- In his limited time with Springfield, Matheson Iacopelli put up quite a few points averaging 0.75 points per game. He continued to score at the USHL level and is now doing it for the AHL’s Rockford IceHogs. He has 7 points (3 goals, 4 assists) in 14 games for the Chicago Blackhawks’ minor league affiliate.
NIKOLAY KNYZHOV (Russia, CIBC) – Russian defenseman and Springfield Jr. Blues alumni Nikolay Knyzhov was selected to play in the CIBC Canada/Russia Super Series last week. The Super Series has the top junior players from Canada, facing off against the best Russian junior players. In 6 games, Knyzhov was a +5, which was 2nd best in the entire series.
NIKO DELLA MAGGIORE (Alaska-Fairbanks, NCAA)- Another Springfield Jr. Blues goaltender had a noteworthy weekend, as Niko Della Maggiore saw his first NCAA action Friday night, coming in relief and stopping all 10 shots face. The next night, Della Maggiore got his first start and first victory as he stopped 20 of 21 shots in a 4-1 victory for the Nanooks.
