Troy Mattila

Mattila Commits to Dartmouth
by Don Trello, sj-r.com, July 10, 2007

Troy Mattila (11-8-19) will not be in camp.

Mattila, who returned to the Blues from the USHL late last season, has decided to play for Tri-City in the USHL this year. He is committed to attend Dartmouth during the 2008-09 school year and was drafted by the New York Islanders in 2006, 180th overall.

The Blues receive $2,000 in compensation for Mattila from the USHL team.

"Mattila was up front with me from the beginning of the process, and I wish him the best of luck," Wyler said about losing Mattila to the USHL. "The door is open for him to return as long as it's the right situation for us and him."

Mattila Still on Fence
by Don Trello, sj-r.com, May 28, 2007

Troy Mattila, who was drafted by the New York Islanders two years ago, played 16 games with the Blues when he returned to the team after spending the bulk of his time with Chicago in the United States Hockey League last season.

"I'll go to a (tryout) camp for Tri-City (of the USHL) in Minnesota next weekend," said Mattila, who was drafted by the Storm. "I'll probably talk to Chris (Wyler) and make a decision a week after that camp. My chances are 50-50 I'll be back here next season.

"I talked to someone named Ryan (Jankowski) from the Islanders last week and he said for them to keep my rights I have to commit to a college for the coming season. I've been approached to commit to schools, but I'm not going to a school just so the Islanders can keep my rights. My No. 1 priority is a college scholarship to a school I want to attend."

2006-07 Update: April 1, 2007: Troy Mattila went 6-6-12 in 10 games played with the Springfield Jr. Blues during the month of March. He went 1-2-3 on the power play and 1-1-2 on the penalty kill. Mattila scored a shorthanded goal Mar. 10th in a 9-8 overtime win vs. the Southern Minnesota Express. He recorded three game winning goals in March: 3/3 vs. St. Louis, 3/9 vs. Southern Minnesota, and 3/17 in an 8-2 win vs. the St. Louis Bandits. Mattila was unsuccessful on a shootout attempt in a 5-4 loss to the U.S. National Development Team on Mar. 23rd. He had an 8 game point scoring streak from Mar. 2nd to 24th in which he went 6-5-11. Mattila has played much better since being re-acquired by Springfield of the NAHL. In 16 games he scored 11 goals, which is only three less than the 14 he scored in 56 games played with the Jr. Blues in 2005-06. Springfield posted a record of 5-4-1 in March and they went 7-8-1 since re-acquiring Mattila. Springfield did not qualify for the playoffs, finishing last in their division.

March 1, 2007: Troy Mattila recorded 1 assist in 2 games played with the Chicago Steel during the month of February. He was traded early in February back to the Springfield Blues of the NAHL, who he played for in 2005-06. With Springfield, Mattila went 5-2-7 in 6 games played during the month of February. Twice he recorded 2 goals in a game including his first back with Springfield on Feb. 8th at Wichita Falls. Mattila scored both of Springfield's goals in a 2-1 win at Texas Feb. 10th. In both games he scored the game winning goal. He scored 5 goals in his first 6 games while only recording 4 goals in 36 games with Chicago. Springfield went 2-4-0 in February since re-acquiring Mattila, who now wears #21 for the Blues. He is still looking to attend a college university next season and has received interest from Dartmouth. Mattila hasn't ruled out a return to Springfield.

February 1, 2007: Troy Mattila went scoreless in 9 games played with the Chicago Steel during the month of January. He was a -4. The Steel went on an 8 game losing streak from Dec. 30th to Jan. 13th. They also had a 10 game losing streak in December. They only won one game in January, on the 16th, a 3-2 overtime win at the Lincoln Stars. On the month Chicago went 1-8-1 and overall they are 6-28-1. Mattila did not dress for Chicago's game on Jan. 27th vs. the Sioux Falls Stampede.

January 1, 2007: Troy Mattila went 1-1-2 in 10 games played with the Chicago Steel in the month of December. He earned his first two stars of the month recording 2 game-winning goals. Chicago posted a record of 2-8-0, outscored 36-14, in the month of December and are 5-20-0 overall. Mattila's shootout game-winning goal vs. Green Bay on Dec. 16th ended a 10 game losing streak. Their last win was on Nov. 11th. The Steel replaced their head coach Chris Imes on December 26th with former NHL defenseman Steve Poapst. Chicago is 1-2-0 under their new head coach.

December 1, 2006: Troy Mattila went 2-3-5 in 8 games played with the USHL's Chicago Steel in the month of November. The Steel went 1-7-0 during the month of November and are 3-12-0 overall on the season. Mattila scored a goal, on the power play, and an assist in a 4-3 loss at the Sioux Falls Stampede on Nov. 10th. He also scored the first goal of the game in a 3-2 loss to the Green Bay Gamblers on Nov. 24th.

November 1, 2006: Troy Mattila made his regular season USHL debut with the Chicago Steel on October 7, 2006 in a 2-1 loss at the Indiana Ice. He scored his first career USHL goal in a 5-4 win vs. the Green Bay Gamblers on October 22, 2006. In the following game, Mattila recorded an assist in a 6-2 loss vs. Waterloo on October 27th.

October 1, 2006: Troy Mattila recorded 2 goals in 3 games played for the Chicago Steel in the 2006 Buc Bowl, an annual preseason tournament sponsored by the USHL's Des Moines Buccaneers in Urbandale, IA. Both goals came on the power play. One goal came in a 6-1 win over the Lincoln Stars, while the other came in a 5-2 win over the Sioux City Musketeers. Was originally drafted by Des Moines but traded to Chicago with D Tim Buttery for G Matt Dalton, June 2006.

2006-07 Highlights

USHL
* Named third star with an assist & SO GW goal in 3-2 win vs. Green Bay Gamblers December 16, 2006.
* Named third star with a goal (GW) in 3-0 win vs. Ohio Junior Blue Jackets December 29, 2006.

NAHL
* Named first star with 2 goals (PP & GW) in 4-1 win at Wichita Falls Wildcats February 8, 2007.
* Named first star with 2 goals (PP & GW) in 2-1 win at Texas Tornado February 10, 2007.
* Named second star with 2 goals (PP & GW) in 4-1 win vs. St. Louis Bandits March 3, 2007.
* Named second star with a goal (GW) in 4-2 win vs. Southern Minnesota Express March 9, 2007.

Mattila out
rrstar.com, Feb. 28, 2007

Local hockey fans had to be excited to read former Rockford Icemen star Troy Mattila was going to play two games in the MetroCentre this weekend.

A couple of days after the news was announced, he was traded from Chicago Steel to the Springfield Junior Blues.

“It was the best thing for Troy,” said his dad, Tim, who coaches the Icemen. “He’s getting quality ice time on power plays and penalty kills, and they’re not losing every single game.” That was in reference to the Steel, who are in last place in the USHL at 9-33-2.

“This will be better for him in terms of getting his confidence back,” Tim said. “There was not much of that going on with Troy or any of the players on the Steel. Several college coaches said the change for Troy isn’t a problem.”

Mattila makes his points in return to Springfield
by Don Trello, sj-r.com, Feb. 22, 2007

The Springfield Junior Blues are struggling to qualify for postseason play as they head down the home stretch in the North American Hockey League regular season.

The Blues (21-26-4, 46 points) have 11 games left to play and are tied with Bismarck (20-26-6-46) for third place in the Central Division of the NAHL. Fargo-Moorhead (33-12-3-69) is in first place and Southern Minnesota (29-20-3-61) is in second.

North Iowa (20-24-5-45) is in fifth, one point out of third place, and Alexandria (19-26-3-41) is five points behind the Blues in sixth place. The top four teams in the division qualify for the postseason.

Blues coach Nick Pollos made a major move to inject new life into the team when he acquired forward Troy Mattila from the Chicago Steel of the United States Hockey League for future considerations earlier this month.

Mattila, who is from Rockford, was the Blues' fourth-leading scorer last season, and the New York Islanders picked him in the seventh round of the NHL draft before he left the Blues for the USHL.

"The Islanders still have the rights to me until I make a decision to turn pro," Mattila said Monday at Nelson Center. "I went to their prospects camp on Long Island during the summer, but I haven't been in touch with them since.

"A coach at the camp said they had a spot for me in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, but I would have lost my college eligibility, and my goal is to play college hockey."

Pollos, who has had a long-standing policy of not bringing back players who leave the Blues for the USHL, explained his decision to re-acquire Mattila.

"Every situation is different," Pollos said "Troy was up front and told us his intentions at the end of last season. I disagreed with his decision, but I respected it. We've been actively trying to get him back for three months.

"We needed a veteran guy who could score goals and be somewhat of a leader. I felt I knew Troy really well and how to coach him. This is the first time since I've been here we lost a quality player to the USHL then got him back."

Mattila's stint with Chicago was lackluster at best. He had four goals and six assists in 36 games with the Steel. He has four goals and one assist in five games since rejoining the Blues.

"I kind of wanted to experience play in a different league, and some colleges that were recruiting me suggested that I go to the USHL," Mattila said. "They wanted to see what I would do in that environment.

"I started out getting a lot of playing time, but suddenly it stopped. I didn't know (Chicago) would trade me. It came as a surprise to me. Initially I was upset about being traded, but I like it in Springfield and I was happy to come back. A realistic goal is for me to get a point a game and help the team do really well in the playoffs."

The Blues' late-season troubles have been ongoing since 2003-2004, when they finished second in the North Division with a 34-18-4 record, won the postseason playoffs and finished third in the Robertson Cup national tournament.

They finished fifth in the South Division with a 30-25-1 record the following season and failed to make the playoffs. Last season, the Blues ended in third place (28-26-4) but were eliminated four games to one by Texarkana in the first postseason round.

The Blues' struggles the last three seasons could be related to the loss of key players to the rival USHL.

Forward Mike Davies (30 goals, 27 assists, 57 points) was the team's second-leading scorer in 2004-2005. He left for Lincoln (Neb.) in the USHL the following season.

Kyle O'Kane (22-23-45), last season's leading scorer, also left Blues for Lincoln. The Blues re-acquired O'Kane earlier this month but immediately sent him to the St. Louis Bandits.

"Kyle was upfront like Mattila about leaving after last season," Pollos said about the unusual move of trading for O'Kane and sending him to St. Louis. "He's from St. Louis and it was his desire to live there and play at home. We helped him do it."

Mattila said he hopes to land a spot on a college team either next school year or the following year. Dartmouth is among schools showing interest.

"Hopefully, I'm going to college next year, but I don't have a recruiting visit planned right now," Mattila said. "There's a very good chance I'd come back here if I don't get a college scholarship, especially if I have a (college) commitment for the following year."

Steel Shuts Out Ohio
chicagosteelhockeyteam.com

Bensenville , IL (December 29, 2006) -- Coming back after the USHL holiday break, the Chicago Steel were looking to pick up a win for their new Head Coach Steve Poapst. Facing their divisional foe for the first time this year the Steel and Ohio went into the third period scoreless. In the third period, Chicago got things going 6:26 into the period when Troy Mattila found the back of the net with Tim Buttery getting the assist. The momentum was clearly on Chicago’s side as it took only 15 seconds for Chicago to score again and for Tyler Murovich to get his first USHL goal; Dan Ryan had the assist. Later in the period Brian Keane got Murovich the puck and he was able to light the lamp again Ohio collecting his second goal of the night, and the Steel shutout 3-0.

 

	Isles Select LW Troy Mattila 190th Overall
	LW Troy Mattila Born: January 12, 1988, Rockford, Ill. 2005-06: Springfield (NAHL) Shoots: Left CSB: not rated

Islanders Scouts: "Troy is a very talented player," said Islanders scout Jay Heinbuck. "He has very good puck and stick skills. Troy has a good scoring touch and excellent hockey instincts. We're glad to get Troy with our final pick."

- recorded 240 points in 2004-05 while playing high school and midget hockey.
- made the jump to junior hockey in 2005-06 with the Springfield Blues of the NAHL.
- was Springfield's fourth leading scorer in 2005-06; recorded an assist in 4 playoff games; wore #8
- turned down a partial scholarship from Colorado College for 2006-07. Also turned down Canisius.
- was selected 20th overall(2nd round) in the 2006 USHL Draft by the Des Moines Buccaneers.
- may play U.S. College hockey in 2007-08. Will visit Mercyhurst, Miami-Ohio, UNH and St. Cloud.
- was selected by the Chicago Force in the 2005 Central States Hockey League Draft.
- played midget hockey with the Rockford Icemen, coached by his father.
- played for the Minnesota Blades in the Western College Hockey Prospects Tournament.
- played in the USA Hockey program in 2003(prep jamboree) & 2005(Chicago Showcase).
- was the only player from the NAHL drafted in the 2006 NHL Draft

Local Hockey Player Drafted
July 1, 2006 - wrex.com

ROCKFORD -- Rockford hockey player Troy Mattila is now the property of an NHL hockey team. But he's still got a long way to go. With a world of potential now opening up, getting drafted is just the beginning.

Every kid who's every played a sport has dreamed about making it to the big leagues, including Troy Mattila.

"I wasn't planning on getting drafted," says Troy. "I knew it was possible, but I didn't want to get my hopes up."

Last weekend, Troy's hopes turned into joy after the 18-year-old was taken in the 7th round of the NHL draft, by the New York Islanders.

"It's kinda surreal. You don't think about yourself with an NHL organization. It's amazing."

It was also an amazing moment for Troy's dad, Tim - a former Icehog coach who also guided Troy for three years on the Rockford Icemen.

"Very proud," says Tim. "I know how hard he worked, gave him a hug and the whole thing, it was really special."

Mattila's stock soared recently after he was the top scorer at an exclusive tournament in Toronto.

He'll play this fall for the Chicago Steel, a junior team in the United States Hockey League.

"They see potential," says Troy. "But I have to work hard a long time before the pros come along."

The 6-foot-2, 185 pound forward needs to get stronger and a little quicker if he wants to become the first Rockford player to make it to the NHL in almost a decade. But, Tim says his son has the work ethic to make it happen.

"It'd be great for Troy. He'd come back, work with the kids. It would help the whole Rockford program."

Islanders draft Junior Blues' Mattila
June 26, 2006 - by Don Trello - sj-r.com

Springfield Junior Blues forward Troy Mattila made franchise history Saturday when the New York Islanders picked him in the seventh round of the NHL draft. The 18-year-old Mattila is believed to be the first player in the 13-year history of the team to be drafted while still a Blues player. "I knew it was possible, but I was really surprised," Mattila said Sunday from his home in Rockford. "I haven't talked to the Islanders, but I know they expect me to keep playing. I'll be playing in Juniors next season." Mattila had 14 goals and 22 assists for 36 points in 54 games last season. He was drafted No. 190 overall.

"We weren't shocked he was picked because we felt he is a kid with unlimited potential," Blues coach Nick Pollos said. "Our goal is to develop hockey players for the next level. It's a feather in the cap for (Blues president) Brian Russell, (executive board member) Woody Neal and everyone who makes Junior Blues hockey possible."

Former Blues defenseman Chris Feil (230rd overall) and goaltender Mike McKenna (172nd) were both drafted after leaving the team. The Chicago Blackhawks drafted Feil in 1997 while he was at Ohio State. McKenna was at St. Lawrence University when Nashville selected him in 2002.

Former Blues goalie Gregg Naumenko was signed by Anaheim as a free agent in 1999 after attending Alaska-Anchorage.

Naumenko, who is the only Junior Blues player to see action in the NHL, appeared in two games for the Mighty Ducks during the 2000-2001 season.

Naumenko was with the Peoria Rivermen in the AHL and McKenna played for Las Vegas (ECHL) last season. Feil is no longer in hockey.

Mattila is one of 14 North American Hockey League players drafted. The others, including No.1 pick Erik Johnson, played for the U.S. National Development Program team.

"Troy is a very talented player," Islanders scout Jay Heinbuck said. "He has very good puck and stick skills. Troy has a good scoring touch and excellent hockey instincts. We're glad to get Troy with our final pick."

Mattila could return to the Blues this season, but he recently attended a United States Hockey League tryout in Des Moines, Iowa, and made the team. He was subsequently traded to the Chciago Steel in the USHL. The Steel plays their games in Bensenville, which is about one hour from Mattila's home.

"I haven't completely committed to anywhere," Mattila replied when asked if he will be with the Blues this season. "I have to talk to coach Pollos. I had shoulder surgery last May (2005), and I probably wouldn't have played (Junior A). He gave me a really big opportunity, and I improved."

New York Islanders Select Jr. Blues Mattila
June 26, 2006 - jrblues.com

A year ago, Springfield Jr. Blues head coach and general manager Nick Pollos signed a 17 year old player to a Tender Contract with a vision of that player becoming a top prospect in the near future. The future is now. When the National Hockey League began the 2006 Entry Draft in Vancouver, British Columbia, thousands of young hockey players hoped to have their name be called. That one member of the Springfield Jr. Blues for whom Pollos had such high hopes did have his name called when the New York Islanders selected Troy Mattila in the Seventh Round (190th overall) during Saturday's Entry Draft. Mattila, who hails from Rockford, Illinois, finished his rookie season with the Jr. Blues racking up 14 goals, 22 assists for 36 points in 54 games.

The 6-foot-2 1/2, 180 pound left winger came to the Jr. Blues last summer right out of Rockford High School and the Rockford Icemen midget team, where he totaled over 240 points in the combined seasons. Yet that wasn't enough to get him noticed by many -- except for Pollos.

Mattila, who was passed on by scouts from other junior leagues, came to Springfield for development and an opportunity. "When we signed Troy to a Tender, he really didn't have any other options, " said Pollos. "It was a no-brainer for us. We saw him play at the Chicago Showcase for high school players around the country in April of 2005 and then we went to Toronto to watch him again in the Toronto Prospects, a large exposure tournament for midget and junior age players from around North America. After his last game in Toronto we offered him a tender."

Mattila signed his Tender Contract with the Jr. Blues a few days after that and the rest is history.

Mattila progressed very well in Springfield, playing in all situations. "There were several NHL teams watching him this year," said Pollos. "The Islanders are getting a player who has great character, great leadership and unlimited upside." "Troy is a very talented player," said Islanders scout Jay Heinbuck. "He has very good puck and stick skills. Troy has a good scoring touch and excellent hockey instincts. We're glad to get Troy with our final pick."

Mattila Drafted by Islanders
Troy Mattila has become the first Rockford resident ever to be selected in the NHL draft.
By Scott Leber - June 25, 2006 - wtvo.com

Prior to the NHL draft the New York Islanders had sent Troy Mattila a questionaire to fill out. But Mattila was still somewhat surprised and certainly elated when late Saturday night he saw on his computer that the Islanders had drafted him in the 7th and final round.

Mattila told WTVO, "I sat there a few hours and kept clicking the refresh button until I saw my name pop up. I got a little excited. I sat up and went over and told my parents, and we had a pretty good time."

The Islanders used the 190th pick overall on Mattila. Islanders scout Jay Heinbuck says of Mattila, "He has very good puck and stick skills. Troy has a good scoring touch and excellent hockey instincts. We`re glad to get Troy with our final pick."

213 players total were chosen in the NHL draft, and those are players not just from the United States, but from all over the world. So for Mattila to be drafted, that puts him in some very exclusive company.

"The NHL is the best of the best of the best, so for anybody to consider your son to be that good potentially is unbelievable," says Troy`s father Tim.

Mattila has shown promise as a hockey player for several seasons, first with the Rockford Icemen leading them to three State Championships. He led the state in scoring his junior season with 146 goals in 64 games.

Last season he played for the Springfield Blues Jr. A league team in the North American Hockey League. He was one of the Blues leading scorers despite being the youngest player on the team.

The thought of being a part of an NHL organization is tempting, but Mattila says he plans to put that on hold.

"I`m going to play juniors another year and probably play in Chicago next year. With the NHL draft they usually don`t expect a lot of lower end draft picks to go right away," says Mattila.

Just today he tried out for and made the Chicago Steel of the United States Hockey League. That`s the top junior hockey league in the United States. The players aren`t paid in the USHL, so Mattila will be able to retain his amateur status. That will leave him with the option of someday playing major college hockey. It will also give him more time to refine his game and to put some more weight on his 6-foot-2 frame.

His father believes the USHL is the best place for Tim right now to continue to develop.

"Yes, because it`s the best league in North America for amateur. There`s a lot of college scouts that watch. He certainly wants to get a degree. You don`t want to be two years and out somewhere and having no place to go," says Tim Mattila.

The Mattila`s don`t know yet how long the Islanders will retain Troy`s rights. It could be for a year or for a couple years. Regardless if one NHL team thinks he`s a strong prospect now there are sure to be others that will believe so a few years from now.

"It`s good to know they have confidence in me," says Mattila. "They saw potential.

Troy Mattila To Wait On College
May 25, 2006

According to the Colorado Springs Gazette, potential CC recruit Troy Mattila has decided to reject a partial scholarship offer from the school and play a year of juniors. Apparently he is hoping a year in juniors will help him attain a larger scholarship down the road, particularly important considering that Colorado College tuition is now over $40,000 a year. Mattila is 18 and can afford to spend a year playing juniors; he was selected 20th overall in the recent USHL draft, by the Des Moines Buccaneers. It's likely he'll end up playing NCAA hockey next year - hopefully for the Tigers.

May 24, 2006: Forward Troy Mattila, who plays for the Springfield (Ill.) Junior Blues of the North American Hockey League, said he didn't accept a partial scholarship offer from CC for next season.

Mattila, 18, hopes to play for the Des Moines Buccaneers, who selected him in the second round (20th) of this month's U.S. Hockey League draft. He's also considering Miami (Ohio), Mercyhurst, New Hampshire and St. Cloud State.

"I was going to have to pay for a lot of the school," at CC, Mattila said. "I figure if I wait a year, I can probably get more money for school."

May 11, 2006

More: Troy Mattila, is deciding between an '06 offer from Colorado, and '07 offers from St.Cloud, UNH, Miami-Ohio and Mercyhurst. "I'm kind of gathering everything, so I can try to figure everything out," Mattila said. "I've been back and forth (over CC's offer) about 20 times. I just keep changing my mind."

Even More: Forward Troy Mattila, who plays for the Springfield (Ill.) Jr. Blues of the North American Hockey League, said CC offered him a partial scholarship for next season after his visit last weekend.

Mattila said he plans to make a decision by this weekend. He turned down an offer from Canisius and has received offers from Miami (Ohio) and Mercyhurst for the 2007-08 season. He's also considering New Hampshire and St. Cloud State.

"I'm kind of gathering everything, so I can try to figure everything out," Mattila said. "I've been back and forth (over CC's offer) about 20 times. I just keep changing my mind."

Mattila had 14 goals and 23 assists in 58 games last season with Springfield. He was selected by the Des Moines (Iowa) Buccaneers in the second round (20th) of last week's U.S. Hockey League draft.

ROCKFORD — Troy Mattila’s path to a Division I college hockey program might have taken a detour Thursday.

It’s a path that could accelerate his climb through the sport’s ranks. He was chosen 20th overall in the 2006 United States Hockey League Draft by Des Moines. He was the team’s second selection, which came in the second of 23 rounds for the league’s 11 teams.

Mattila, who has four official college visits scheduled, said he is leaning toward going to Des Moines. The USHL is regarded as the best junior league in North America.

It’s a step up from the North American Hockey League he played in this season with the Springfield Junior Blues.

“I’m pretty happy,” said Mattila, who was in town at a friend’s house. “I’m glad it’s Des Moines, too. They won the league this year and have a good organization.

“I was told by a lot of people they’d draft me — but not until the third or fourth round.”

Mattila is set to visit Colorado College this week, then Miami, Ohio, New Hampshire and St. Cloud.

Top players from the USHL move on to Division I programs or the National Hockey League.

“It shows that people from around the country have noticed him,” said his dad, Tim, who coached him for three seasons with the Rockford Icemen. “It shows we’ve got a lot of other kids from around here capable of moving up because a lot of them were able to play with Troy.”

Tim Mattila believes Troy is the first local player chosen by the USHL — at least in the top three rounds — in more than a decade.

Troy said of his options:

“I could go to Des Moines or stay in Springfield for another year. I’d probably go to Des Moines.

“If it was my choice, I’d rather go to school (Division I). I just want to be in a position where I play a lot.”

Mattila follows Crosby’s lead
May 3, 2006 - ROCKFORD REGISTER STAR

The hottest young name in hockey, Sidney Crosby, did it. Now, Rockford’s Troy Mattila did it.

Crosby, before becoming a standout rookie with Pittsburgh of the NHL this season, once starred in the prestigious Western College Hockey Prospects Tournament.

Mattila recently did the same.

Forty-four teams (16-18 age group) from across the nation participated in the Toronto-based tournament. Mattila played for the Minnesota Blades, who were coached by his dad, Rockford Icemen coach Tim Mattila. The team finished second (6-1-1) with Mattila leading all scorers by netting seven goals and four assists for 11 points.

Both of Mattila’s Blades linemates have committed to powerhouse Minnesota. Mattila is getting tons of attention from Division I programs since the tournament and is uncommitted.

Mattila helped lead the 10-time, combined-school state champion Icemen to three titles before choosing to play for the Springfield Blues in this his senior year. He was named the team’s Rookie of the Year and was the team’s Junior Blue of the Month in January by producing six goals, six assists and a plus/minus of plus-8.

“When you lead this tournament in scoring,” said tournament president Bob Turow, “you’re heading in the right direction.”

Other prospects have included Joe Thornton, who led the NHL in scoring this year; Rick Nash of Columbus, who was drafted first in 2002, and Phil Kessel, who possibly could be the first pick in this year’s NHL draft.

Justin Hernandez started playing hockey at age 7 when his mom signed him up. He instantly loved it.

In fact, he loved it so much that he’s shown a level of dedication not many other high school players would consider.

To play the sport he loves, he moved from Farmington Hills, Mich., transferred to a new high school and has taken on a rough schedule balancing school and sports.

Justin, a senior at Springfield High School, is one of four high school students playing for the Springfield Junior Blues hockey team this season. He was initially drawn to the Junior Blues, he said, because of the team’s reputation.

“They’ve put a lot of guys into Division 1 schools,” he said. “The coaching staff recruited me and I went to the (training) camp.”

The Junior Blues play at the Junior A level as part of the National American Hockey League. This league enables players ages 17-21 to play hockey before college. Often, the player will take a year off before college to play for the Junior Blues.

“The purpose is to provide a development level for players before they move on to college,” said head coach and general manager Nick Pollos. “The majority of players play until they’re 19 or 19 and a half. A freshman who’s going to be 19 or 20 will be a little stronger and faster (than a younger freshman).”

The other boys — Jared Kohn, Troy Mattila and Kyle O’Kane — also are seniors at Springfield High. Each moved to Springfield from their respective homes to play competitive hockey. While here, they live with host families.

Jared, who is from Chesterfield, Mo., said he knew he would be giving up his senior year with his friends to play hockey, but it’s been worth it. And because the season ends in May, he’ll be able to return home and graduate with the rest of his class. He also should be able to attend his senior prom at home; he couldn’t attend last year due to an out-of-town game.

Regardless, he still misses home.

“I miss being with my family and younger brother. And it would’ve been my fourth year (at school),” he said. “I miss how I was so familiar with everything.”

Transferring schools for senior year can be difficult for anyone, which is why school counselors put the four boys in some of the same classes. But Justin said he still had to adjust to the change.

“I went from knowing a lot of people to knowing very little,” he said.

Despite their different backgrounds, the team members get along really well, Troy said. And having others around them who know what they are going through also has helped the boys adjust to life in Springfield. “We’re all in the same situation. We all left home to play here,” he said.

The players balance a busy schedule. They take a zero-hour class at SHS in order to leave school early. From there they go to practice, followed by a mandatory workout at the Fit Club. Whatever time they have left often is dedicated to homework.

Homework can pile up for them when the Junior Blues travel the country to compete. In early January, the team traveled to Santa Fe, causing the students to miss five days of school.

To make up for their absences, the players get their homework before trips or work with teachers in their free time.

“I sit with the guys on the bus and in hotels and we do our homework,” Kyle said.

Despite all the work involved, the players agree that it’s worth it.

“It’s fun,” Justin said. “It’s fun playing the game. We’re a close team and we’ve got a bunch of good guys. Everyone gets along.”

The young players are undecided on whether they will play one more year for the Blues. Each of them said they have plans to attend college in the future.

Whatever he decides to do, Jared knows the Junior Blues have helped his hockey game.

“It builds you stronger as a person,” he said, “mentally and physically.”

January 7, 2006 NAHL Action

The Springfield Jr.Blues topped off the Sante Fe Roadrunners with a 3-1 win tonight before a crowd of 462 at the Genevova Chavez Community Center.

With 4 seconds left in the 1st period Troy Mattila put one pass Roadrunners goalie Jeff Rose, leaving the team with little confidence going into the 1st intermission. At 10:58 of the 2nd period Cory Spradling put the Jr.Blues up 2 when a shot was fired passed Jeff Rose.

January 6, 2006 NAHL Action

Santa Fe, NM: The Roadrunners dominated the Sprinfield Jr. Blues tonight winning 7-2 before a crowd of 522 at the Genoveva Chavez Community Center.

Nate Hennig opened up the scoring for the Roadrunners in the first period with his 1st goal of the season at 13:54 while on the power play. Corey Stark made it a 2-0 game when he notched his 1st Short Handed goal of the year. Brant Marple added another Power play goal at 6:25 of the 2nd period to put the Roadrunners up 3-0.

Two minutes later Sprinfield’s Kyle Okane finally put the team on the board, making the game a 3-1 game. :12 seconds after Okanes’ goal Troy Mattila of the Jr.Blues slid one pass Chris Carlson to make the game a 3-2 game.

In the final twenty minutes of the game the Roadrunners still didn’t show any mercy for the Jr. Blues, when Brandon Vossberg and Corey Stark both had 2 goals a piece in the period.

Minnesota Blades Profile
Mattila played for the Blades in Bob Turow's Western College Hockey Prospects Tournament

The tournament's leading scorer was Troy Mattila, who played for the Minnesota Blades Black team, but is originally from Rockford, Illinois and plays for the Springfield Blues Jr. B team. The Black Team finished in second place in the tournament to the Detroit Ceasar's after losing the final 4-1. 

Mattila scored a tournament leading 7 goals and 11 points in 8 games played. He also led in power play goals with 2 and shorthanded goals with 1.

Minnesota Blades Profile

Rockford's Troy Mattila played for the Minnesota Blades, who were coached by his dad, Rockford Icemen coach Tim Mattila, in the prestigious Western College Hockey Prospects Tournament. The team finished second (6-1-1) with Mattila leading all scorers by netting seven goals and four assists for 11 points. Forty-four teams (16-18 age group) participated in the Toronto-based tournament. Mattila, who is getting tons of attention from Division I programs since the tournament and is uncommitted according to the Rockford daily, helped lead the 10-time, combined-school state champion Icemen to three titles before choosing to play for the Springfield Blues in this his senior year. He was named the team's Rookie of the Year and was the team's Junior Blue of the Month in January by producing six goals, six assists and a plus/minus of plus-8.