Springfield Jr. Blues forward Matt Long has announced his commitment to play at Canisius College next season.
Canisius College is an NCAA Division I program that participates in the Atlantic Hockey Conference. Their record this season is 19-10-7 and currently are in 1st place in conference with a record of 18-4-6.
Long, a native of Orland Park, Illinois, says that the coaching staff played a big part in choosing where to play college hockey. “The coaching staff is very detailed and player oriented. To go along with their top of the line facilities, Canisius was a great fit.”
This Friday, Long will also be playing in his 150th game as a member of the Springfield Jr. Blues, and he credits his time in Springfield as a huge experience for him both on and off the ice.
Springfield forward Matt Long warming up before his first game at The Nelson Center in 2014
“Spending the past 3 years in Springfield, away from home, have allowed me to mature as both a player and a person. I’ve gotten to know a lot of great people and play for great coaches. The coaches here helped push me to my limits and played a huge role in making me the player I am today. I am going to miss Springfield next season, but this place prepared me to take the next step in being a great college hockey player.”
With a college commitment Monday and a milestone game Friday, Long is quick to point out that right now the focus is on one thing: Springfield making the NAHL playoffs.
“Right now were just trying to keep a good locker room culture, hold each other accountable, and go into every game with high-energy and a winning attitude. If we do that then good things will happen.”