SPRINGFIELD, IL –The Springfield Jr. Blues used there three remaining tenders over the weekend to round out their protected list heading into the Thursday’s entry draft. The Jr. Blues were able to grab defenseman Alex Baskakov along with forwards James McGing and Nathan Chasteen.
Alex Baskakov is a 6’1 185 lbs. 1993 born defenseman from Ufa, Russia. Alex has played the last two seasons with the Pittsburg Vipers in the NAPHL. In 2011-12, Baskakov finished with 3 goals and 24 assists in 24 games, enough to earn him 2nd Team All-NAPHL honors.
Nathan Chasteen is a 6’ 170 lbs. 1994 born forward from Peoria, IL. Nathan split time last season between the Wichita Falls Wildcats in the NAHL and the Peoria Mustangs in the NA3HL. Nathan registered 2 goals and 12 assists in 40 games for the Wildcats and 16 points in 11 games for the Mustangs. Chasteen was a participant in this weekend’s Jr. Blues Pre Draft Camp.
James McGing is a 5’11” 175 lbs 1993 born forward from Chicago, IL. James played for Culver Academy Prep Team and scored 13 goals and 24 assists in 39 games for Culver.
“I am pleased that we were able to get three players that are proven point producers to compliment our group of protected players.” Stated head coach Tony Zasowski.
The Jr. Blues finalized their protected list going into Thursday’s draft. The protected list is comprised of veteran Jr. Blues’ players combined with their tenders. The NAHL uses number of players on the protected list and subtracts it from 30 to determine the number of draft picks the team will have in the draft.
About the Jr. Blues
The Springfield Jr. Blues are the NAHL’s longest running active team, having joined the NAHL back during the 1993-94 season. The Jr. Blues are just one of seven NAHL teams to have won multiple Robertson Cup Championships (1996, 1997). Over 160 alumni have gone on to NCAA Division I and III hockey.
About the NAHL
The NAHL, the only USA Hockey-sanctioned Tier II Junior league boasting 28 teams from across North America, prides itself on the social maturity and skill development of student-athletes ages 16-20 with aspirations of advancing to collegiate and/or professional hockey. To date in 2011-12, over 110 NAHL players have committed to NCAA schools. Famous alumni of the NAHL include: Stanley Cup Champion and Conn Smythe/Vezina Trophy winner Tim Thomas, Buffalo Sabres goaltender Ryan Miller and Chicago Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane. For more information, visit www.nahl.com
