Springfield, Illinois – The Springfield Jr. Blues a proven record of moving players onto college and professional hockey. Over the last 26 seasons countless players have made their mark after leaving Springfield. Here is an Alumni Update on just a few of those players.
Stefano Lekkas (2013-14) – University of Vermont, Hockey East
Stefano Lekkas (Elburn, IL) was named the Hockey East Player of the Week after a remarkable performance against #4 University of Michigan. Lekkas stopped 48 shots in the contest, including 19 on the penalty kill and 15 in the 3rd period alone. Lekkas is in his third season at Vermont and is one of nine former Jr. Blues goalies currently playing in the NCAA.
Evan Fear (2016-17; 2017-18) – Green Bay Gamblers, USHL
Evan Fear (Winnetka, IL) is currently playing for the Green Bay Gamblers in the United States Hockey League (USHL). In three starts this season, Fear is 1-2-0 with 3.04 GAA and a .898 save percentage. But the big news came out this morning, as Evan committed to Quinnipiac University for the 2019-20 season. He joins a list of former Jr. Blues players who have played for Quinnipiac including T.J. Friedmann (2014-15) and Matthew Cassidy (2016-17).
Mike McKenna (1999-00; 2000-01) – Belleville Senators, AHL
Mike McKenna (St. Louis, MO) is entering his 14th professional season this year and is one of three former Jr. Blues goalies who are playing professionally in North America (Tyler Parks and Nick Niedert). McKenna played for the Jr. Blues in the late 90’s and early 00’s before playing four years at St. Lawrence University. McKenna was drafted in the 6th round of the 2002 NHL Draft by the Nashville Predators and has played games in the ECHL, the AHL, and the NHL. He is currently playing for the Belleville Senators, who are the AHL affiliate of the Ottawa Senators.
