Jr. Blues graduate makes NHL debut

Former Springfield Jr. Blues goaltender Mike McKenna (1999-01) made his National Hockey League debut with the Tampa Bay Lighting on Tuesday, stopping all 11 shots faced in relief in a 3-1 loss to the New York Islanders.

The next night, the 25-year-old from St. Louis made 31 saves in Tampa Bay’s 4-3 overtime loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

After two years in Springfield, McKenna played four seasons at St. Lawrence University before embarking on a pro career through the AHL, ECHL and Europe.

McKenna is the 68th former NAHL player to play in the NHL this season.