Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Springfield Thunderbirds across Hockey.
Standing 6‑foot‑3 and weighing 212 pounds, Matthew Kessel has carved a niche as a physical defenseman whose career spans the NHL, the AHL, NCAA championships, and representation at the 2024 World Championship.
A look at how former University of Michigan players are performing abroad and in North American minor leagues, highlighting key statistical achievements and the growing international footprint of the program.
From Texas to Sweden, former Michigan players are posting strong statistics and carving out successful careers outside the NHL, showcasing the breadth of talent that emerged from the university program.
The 27‑year‑old forward signed a one‑year contract with Brynas IF, aiming to prove he can still produce at a high level.
The St. Louis Blues are nurturing a talented cohort of OHL prospects, from offensive forwards to shutdown defensemen, each aiming to make an impact at the professional level.
Ryan Mougenel, the 2025‑26 Louis A.R. Pieri Memorial Award winner, has been hired as an assistant coach for the Vancouver Canucks, adding depth to a newly assembled staff under head coach Manny Malhotra.
The Springfield Thunderbirds will open their 2026‑27 campaign on Oct. 10 against the Laval Rocket, marking 100 years of hockey in the city. Head coach Steve Ott, who guided the club to a playoff run last season, will lead a roster that’s already looking ahead to a full schedule and ticket sales.
St. Louis has placed Milton Gastrin on loan to Brynäs IF of the Swedish Hockey League, a move that could see the young forward back in North America once the SHL season ends.
After a brief, memorable spell with the Colorado Avalanche, Nick Blankenburg is poised to hit unrestricted free agency, with Nashville emerging as the most logical destination for both hockey and personal reasons.
The Buffalo Sabres wrapped up development camp with a scrimmage, signed several AHL‑focused contracts, and left cap space that could accommodate a hometown return for Patrick Kane.
Several AHL clubs have added veteran talent and promising prospects, while a few players have headed abroad, signaling a dynamic offseason across the developmental circuit.
The New York Islanders have inked Matthew Kessel to a one‑year agreement, bringing a blend of NHL experience, collegiate success and international play to the roster.
Matt Luff, a 29‑year‑old Oakville native, joins the New York Islanders on a one‑year, two‑way contract after a productive stint with the Bridgeport Islanders and previous NHL experience.
Following a judge's not‑guilty ruling in the 2018 Canada world junior sexual assault case, Dillon Dube signed a one‑year, $850,000 contract with the St. Louis Blues, guaranteeing his salary whether he appears in the NHL or the AHL. He joins a group of five previously acquitted players now returning to professional hockey.
The Iowa Wild announced the hiring of Stu Bickel, a Minnesota native with extensive AHL and NHL experience, as its new head coach, bringing a proven track record of playoff success and player development.
The Iowa Wild announced the hiring of Stu Bickel as head coach, highlighting his extensive playing and coaching background and his deep ties to Minnesota and Iowa.
Ryan Miller swapped courtroom arguments for contract negotiations, turning his legal training into a strategic asset for the St. Louis Blues
Ryan Mougenel is leaving the Providence Bruins to join the Vancouver Canucks' coaching staff after a tenure marked by strong regular‑season records, two division titles and a coach of the year award, but also by limited NHL promotions and early playoff exits.
The Worcester Railers have locked in a new affiliation with the St. Louis Blues that runs through at least the 2030‑31 season, bringing renewed stability after the New York Islanders withdrew their AHL team.
The Worcester Railers announced a new development agreement with the St. Louis Blues and the Springfield Thunderbirds, ending a long‑standing partnership with the New York Islanders and positioning the club for enhanced player growth through closer proximity and shared resources.
A new partnership between the St. Louis Blues and the Worcester Railers will see the latter serve as a developmental hub for the Blues, leveraging geographic proximity and a strong community record.
The Worcester Railers have announced a new affiliation agreement with the St. Louis Blues and the Springfield Thunderbirds, securing a six‑year partnership that will run from the 2026‑27 season through the 2030‑31 campaign, replacing their previous eight‑year affiliation with the New York Islanders.
The Wilkes‑Barre/Scranton Penguins saw their 2025‑26 campaign conclude in heartbreaking fashion on Tuesday night, as the Toronto Marlies edged them 4‑3 in overtime of Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Final.
The Springfield Thunderbirds announced a two‑year contract extension for head coach Steve Ott, cementing his leadership after a historic playoff run that saw the AHL club reach the Division Finals.