ITHACA, N.Y. — Senior forward Matt Buckles has signed an amateur tryout contract to play the remainder of the 2016-17 season with the AHL’s Springfield Thunderbirds, and he is making his debut in the team’s game against the Bridgeport Sound Tigers on Wednesday night.
Buckles led the senior class in career goals with 29, including 12 on the power play and five in the postseason. Three of his playoff goals came during the 2015-16 season, including a first-round series-clinching goal in overtime of Game 2 against Union at Lynah Rink. His nine goals, nine assists, 18 points and plus-1 rating this season were all career bests.
Originally from Toronto, Ontario, Buckles joined the Big Red after winning an Ontario Junior Hockey League championship in 2013 with the St. Michael’s Buzzers — a team captained by classmate Patrick McCarron, who also signed with a professional team this week. Named the OJHL’s Top Prospect by the NHL Central Scouting Service that year, Buckles was then selected in the fourth round of the NHL Entry Draft that June by the Florida Panthers (98th overall pick). The Panthers’ AHL affiliate is the Springfield Thunderbirds.
Buckles becomes the third member of his class to latch on with a professional team since the Big Red’s season ended with the program’s 20th trip to the NCAA tournament. Also joining the pro ranks earlier this week were McCarron (AHL Grand Rapids Griffins) and goaltender Mitch Gillam (ECHL Orlando Solar Bears).
