Springfield, Illinois – From the NCAA to the NHL, Jr. Blues alumni have represented the capital city since 1993. Over 100 alumni are currently playing in higher levels of junior hockey, college hockey, or professional hockey. Here is a quick look at the highlights from the past week.
Dryden McKay has been turning heads for Minnesota State-Mankato this season. The Buffalo Grove, Ill native helped the Mavericks sweep Ferris State over the weekend with a 3-2 OT win on Friday and a 2-1 win on Saturday. McKay stopped 45 of 48 shots in total over the weekend with a 1.46 GAA and a .938 save percentage, and was named the WCHA Goaltender of the Week. McKay, a freshman, is 11-4-1 on the season.
The Air Force Falcons tied Army 2-2 in two games this past weekend, and two Jr. Blues alumni helped get them there. Trevor Stone scored on Friday night and Brady Tomlak scored on Saturday night. In 22 games played this season Stone has 5 goals and 2 assists, while Tomlak has appeared in 20 games this season and has 4 goals and 5 assists.
Tommy Nappier continues to shine for the Ohio State Buckeyes. On Saturday, Nappier stopped 24 of 26 shots from the Michigan Wolverines to claim his 8th victory of the season. The 6’3”, 220 lbs. St. Louis, MO native has a 1.58 GAA and a .945 save percentage in the 2018-19 campaign, both 2nd best in the nation.
Transitioning to professional hockey can be difficult for some players, but Kelly Klima seems to be progressing well for the Norfolk Admirals of the ECHL. In 10 games for the Admirals this season Klima has 3 goals and 5 assists, including a goal and 2 assists in a three game series against Orlando this past weekend. Kelly’s brother, Kevin, also played for the Jr. Blues and is currently playing for HC Sparta Praha in the Czech league after starting the season in Tucson for the Arizona Coyotes’ AHL affiliate.
Here a few other outstanding performers:
- Ross Olsson: 6 goals and 13 assists in 11 games for Endicott College
- Josh Lammon: 8 goals and 8 assists in 24 games for Mercyhurst Univ.
- Bryan Hovanec: 9 goals and 6 assists in 14 games for Lebanon Valley College
- Luke Radetic: 10 goals and 4 assists in 15 games for Univ. of St. Thomas
- Blake Robertson: 8 goals and 3 assists in 17 games for Trine Univ.
- Sandro Aeschlimann: 1.83 GAA and a .932 save percentage in 6 games for EV Zug (Swiss)
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