Panthers Recall McKenna from Portland

February 29, 2016 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Portland Pirates News Release


Portland, ME - Florida Panthers General Manager Dale Tallon announced today the emergency recall of goaltender Mike McKenna from the Portland Pirates. In a related move, Pirates General Manager Eric Joyce announced the recall of goalie Colin Stevens from the Manchester Monarchs of the ECHL. In addition, the Panthers have also reassigned forward Greg McKegg and defenseman Mike Matheson to the Pirates.

McKenna has appeared in 40 games for Portland this season and has a record of 25-11-2-0 with a 2.30 goals-against average, a .922 save percentage and two shutouts. The native of St. Louis, Missouri has 76 career wins in a Pirates uniform, three shy of tying the franchise record of 79, currently owned by Martin Brochu.

The recall is the goaltender's first recall to the Florida Panthers. He last saw NHL action in one game with the Arizona Coyotes. The 32 year-old has made 22 career appearances in the NHL with Tampa Bay, New Jersey, Columbus, and Arizona.

Drafted by the Nashville Predators in the Sixth Round (172nd Overall) of the 2002 NHL Entry Draft, McKenna has appeared in 456 games over his pro career, including 371 in the AHL. Prior to turning pro, McKenna played four seasons of NCAA Division I Men's hockey with the St. Lawrence University Saints.

McKenna will be eligible to suit up for the Panthers tomorrow night at the MTS Centre, where the Panthers take on the Winnipeg Jets at 8:00 p.m.

McKegg, a 6-foot, 185 pound center from St. Thomas, Ontario, played in six games with Florida after being recalled on February 14. It was the longest NHL stint of the fourth-year pro's career. He skated in four games over the previous two seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

With Portland this season, McKegg has potted nine goals to go with 12 assists for 21 points in 41 games.

Selected in the Third Round (62nd Overall) of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft by Toronto, McKegg was acquired by Florida via trade during the offseason. Prior to turning pro, he played four major junior seasons with the OHL's Erie Otters and London Knights.

Matheson, a 6-foot-2, 189 pound rookie defenseman from Pointe-Claire, Quebec, was recalled to the NHL for the first time by Florida on February 19. He made his NHL debut the following day against the Winnipeg Jets at the BB&T Center. Matheson played two games during his stay with the Panthers.

With Portland this season, Matheson has played in 43 games, scoring five goals and nine assists for 14 points, and has a plus 14 rating, which is the best on the team.

The rookie, who turned 22 years-old on Friday, was selected by Florida in the First Round (23rd Overall) in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. Prior to turning pro, Matheson played three seasons of NCAA Division I Men's hockey for the Boston College Eagles.

Stevens, a 6-foot-1, 175 pound netminder from Niskayuna, New York, attended the Portland Pirates 2015 training camp, but didn't see action during the preseason. The 22 year-old rookie has spent the 2015-16 regular season with the ECHL's Manchester Monarchs, where he has played in 26 games. He has registered a record of 15-5-1, with a 2.39 goals against average, a 0.920 save percentage, and two shutouts.

Stevens backed up Sam Brittain during the Pirates recent games against Rochester and Toronto. Stevens signed with the Florida Panthers as an undrafted free agent last March following a four-year NCAA Division I career with the Union College Dutchmen. In his junior year of 2013-14, he backstopped Union to the school's first ever National Championship. Stevens led the nation in wins that year with 28 and finished second in the country with six shutouts. In his senior year, he was named a finalist for the Mike Richter Award, given to top goalie in NCAA Division I Men's hockey.

McKegg, Matheson, and Stevens will be available for the Pirates Friday night when they host the Syracuse Crunch at Cross Insurance Arena. Opening faceoff is set for 7:00 p.m. Show a valid college ID at the Trusted Choice Box Office and get $4 off a main deck ticket courtesy of Sun Tan City. Start your Friday early with Happy Hour on the C.N. Brown Landing, starting at 4:56 p.m., including special Happy Hour pricing, $4 beers, $5 appetizers, and $6 cocktails! Call 207-PIRATES or visit PortlandPirates.com tickets and more information.



American Hockey League Stories from February 29, 2016


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