Springfield forward Schmidling makes NCAA commitment

May 22, 2019

The Springfield Jr. Blues, proud members of the North American Hockey League (NAHL), are pleased to announce that forward Ben Schmidling has committed to play NCAA Division III hockey at St. Norbert College.

 

Schmidling, 21, completed his final year of junior hockey eligibility with the Jr. Blues after playing previously in the NAHL for the Janesville Jets and the Johnstown Tomahawks. 

 

In 60 games played during the 2018-19 season for the Jr. Blues, Schmidling scored 37 goals and added 31 assists for 68 points to finish with the 3rd most goals in the league. Overall in his three year NAHL career, Ben tallied 57 goals and 60 assists with a +28 rating. 

 

“Ben was a leader on our team from the time he arrived in Springfield both on and off the ice,” Jr. Blues head coach Tyler Rennette said. “St. Norbert is getting a well rounded hockey player with a good scoring touch. We hope for nothing but the best for Ben next season.”

 

Ben will join teammate Brendan Aird who committed to St. Norbert this week as well. With Schmidling’s commitment, he will become the 8th Jr. Blues alumnus to play for the Green Knights and the 14th player to have committed to play college hockey this season. 

 

St. Norbert plays out of De Pere, Wisconsin and are members of the Midwest Conference. The Green Knights have won five Division III National Championships (most recently in 2018), have been National Runner-Up four times, have made 12 Frozen Four appearances, and have gone to the National Tournament 19 times since 1997.