Jr. Blues' Verbeek commits to Sacred Heart

The Springfield Jr. Blues have announced that forward Kyle Verbeek has committed to Sacred Heart University (Atlantic Hockey) for the upcoming fall.

“We couldn’t be happier for Kyle,” said Jr. Blues head coach Andy Maher.  “He’s worked hard for this opportunity and will be a great addition to Sacred Heart, both on and off the ice.”

Verbeek, from Bloomfield, Mich., started his NAHL career in 2007-08 with the Mahoning Valley Phantoms before being traded to Springfield in December.  The son of former NHLer Pat Verbeek, the 20-year-old totaled 17 goals for 44 points in 53 regular-season games this past season.

Verbeek is the sixth player from the 2008-09 Jr. Blues to commit to a Division I program, joining Brandon Bahnemann (Bentley University); Jack Callahan (Quinnipiac University, 2010-11); Randy Cure (Mercyhurst College); Trent Frey (Mercyhurst, 2010-11); and CJ Groh (University of Alabama-Huntsville).

GRADUATE WINS VEZINA: Boston Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas, who played his junior hockey with the NAHL’s defunct Lakeland Jets, won the Vezina Trophy last week as the NHL’s top netminder.

FORMER COACH TO MANKATO: Todd Knott, a former head coach of the NAHL’s defunct Fargo-Moorhead Jets, was tabbed for an assistant coaching position at Minnesota State-Mankato (WCHA).

FORMER RANGER INKS WITH CAPITALS: The Washington Capitals recently signed undrafted free agent center Jake Hauswirth, a former Marquette Ranger (2006-07), to a three-year entry-level contract.