SUNRISE, Fla. - Florida Panthers President of Hockey Operations Dale Tallon announced today that the Panthers have recalled defenseman MacKenzie Weegar from the club's American Hockey League affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds.

Weegar, 23, leads Springfield's defensemen with 12 goals and 29 points in 51 games. This season, the 6-foot, 212-pound native of Ottawa, Ontario became the first-ever Thunderbirds player in franchise history to represent the club at the AHL All-Star Classic.

In 144 career AHL games, Weegar has recorded 63 points (21-42-63) for the Thunderbirds (2016-17), Portland Pirates (2015-16) and San Antonio Rampage (2014-15). He was originally selected by the Panthers in the seventh round (206th overall) of the 2013 NHL Draft.

Interested in being part of the next era of AHL hockey in Springfield? Springfield Thunderbirds 2017-18 Ticket Memberships start as low as $12 per game and feature the most exclusive benefits, including a commemorative jersey and brand new Collectors Mug. For more information, fans may call the Thunderbirds ticket office at (413) 739-GOAL (4625) or visit www.SpringfieldThunderbirds.com.