(Photo Courtesy Kevin Bires/Florida Everblades)

Springfield, MA – The Springfield Thunderbirds announced Tuesday that they have recalled defenseman Matt MacKenzie on a loan from the Florida Everblades of the ECHL.

The 25-year-old MacKenzie played one preseason game with the Thunderbirds before being assigned to the Everblades. A former third-round pick of the Buffalo Sabres in 2010, MacKenzie has enjoyed a fine season with the Everblades, scoring four goals and adding five assists in 17 games. MacKenzie has been strong in his own zone as well, posting a +12 rating, good for fifth in the ECHL.

MacKenzie has 177 games of AHL experience under his belt from his days with the Rochester Americans and Portland Pirates. Most recently, he scored two goals and three points in 16 games for the Pirates in 2015-16. His most productive AHL season came in 2013-14 with Rochester, when he registered 10 points, 84 penalty minutes, and posted a +11 rating in 64 games played.

MacKenzie joins the Thunderbirds, who will play host to the Bridgeport Sound Tigers on Friday, Dec. 2 for Star Wars Night at the MassMutual Center. The first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive a Star Wars themed Thunderbirds movie poster, and all fans will have the ability to purchase $1 Night concessions (hot dogs, soda, popcorn) through the start of period two. In addition, the night will be headlined by the MGM Springfield Pregame Concert Series, beginning at 6 p.m. ET with a performance from Crawdaddy Mushroom Band. 

The Thunderbirds then welcome the Providence Bruins on Saturday for a 7:05 p.m. ET puck drop. On the same night as the Smith & Wesson Military Appreciation Night, Springfield will also play host to the first Teddy Bear Toss in the history of pro hockey in the city. The special event, presented by Teddy Bear Pools and Spas, encourages fans to bring in new stuffed animals to throw onto the ice in celebration of the Thunderbirds' first goal. The bears will in turn be donated to Springfield based charities.