Springfield forward Long makes NCAA DI commitment
March 9, 2017
The NCAA Division I commitment for Matt Long came just a week after his participation in the 2017 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament.
The Springfield Jr. Blues, proud members of the North American Hockey League (NAHL), are pleased to announce that forward Matt Long has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey at Canisius College next season.
Canisius College is an NCAA Division I program that participates in the Atlantic Hockey Conference. Their record this season is 19-10-7 and currently are in 1st place in conference with a record of 18-4-6.
Long (5'11/185) is Springfield's leading scorer so far this season with 46 points (14 goals, 32 assists) in 47 gamaes played. His commitment comes a week after he was selected to and played in the 2017 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament for the Midwest Division team.
Long, a native of Orland Park, Illinois, says that the coaching staff played a big part in choosing where to play college hockey. “The coaching staff is very detailed and player oriented. To go along with their top of the line facilities, Canisius was a great fit," said Long
This Friday, Long will also be playing in his 150th game as a member of the Springfield Jr. Blues, and he credits his time in Springfield as a huge experience for him both on and off the ice.
“Spending the past 3 years in Springfield, away from home, have allowed me to mature as both a player and a person. I’ve gotten to know a lot of great people and play for great coaches. The coaches here helped push me to my limits and played a huge role in making me the player I am today. I am going to miss Springfield next season, but this place prepared me to take the next step in being a great college hockey player.”
With a college commitment Monday and a milestone game Friday, Long is quick to point out that right now the focus is on one thing: Springfield making the NAHL playoffs.
“Right now were just trying to keep a good locker room culture, hold each other accountable, and go into every game with high-energy and a winning attitude. If we do that then good things will happen.”
