(Photo Courtesy Patrick Shanahan / Cornell Athletic Communications)

Springfield, MA- The Springfield Thunderbirds announced on Wednesday that they have signed forward Matt Buckles to an amateur try-out contract.

The 21-year-old Buckles just completed a four-year NCAA career at Cornell University. In four seasons, the 6-foot-2-inch, 216-pound center registered 29 goals and 44 points. Buckles helped lead the Big Red to their first NCAA tournament in five years in 2016-17.

The native of Toronto, Ont. was originally a fourth round draft selection (98th overall) by the Florida Panthers in 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.