The pipeline keeps flowing.
UMass hockey junior defenseman Matthew Kessel became the latest blue liner to matriculate to the next level when he signed his entry-level contract with the St. Louis Blues on Sunday.
The two-year deal will begin with the 2022-23 season. The Bloomfield Hills, Mich., native was a fifth-round pick in 2020. He’ll report to the Springfield Thunderbirds, St. Louis’ AHL affiliate, on a tryout and remain there the rest of the season.
We’ve signed 2020 fifth-round pick Matt Kessel to a two-year entry-level contract. The deal will begin with the 2022-23 season. https://t.co/hOjjQ1aIvC #stlblues
— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) March 27, 2022
Kessel spent three seasons in Amherst and played 99 games. He amassed 51 points on 23 goals. This season, he scored six goals and had 11 points. Kessel was named to the NCAA all-tournament
“Congrats Kess!!! Drafted after his freshman season. Developed so much during his three years at UMass. Became a dominant player at both ends of the ice,” UMass coach Greg Carvel tweeted.