All-Star Szmatula returns to Adirondack

GLENS FALLS, N.Y. – The Adirondack Thunder, ECHL affiliate of the New Jersey Devils, announced that forward Mike Szmatulahas been signed to a contract for the 2019-20 season. Szmatula returns to Glens Falls as the team’s reigning Most Valuable Player, recording 48 points (27g-21a) in 60 games last season while also serving as the Thunder's representative at the 2019 ECHL All-Star Classic. The Commerce Township, Michigan native received two American Hockey League callups last year, appearing in three games with Stockton and two games with Utica. Szmatula started the 2019-20 season with GKS Tychy in Poland where he recorded two goals in four games. Prior to turning pro, Szmatula played for two seasons each at both the University of Minnesota and Northeastern University. He collected 108 points (47g-61a) in 139 games between the two schools. Szmatula tallied 68 points (28g-40a) from 73 games played with the Huskies before he transferred to Minnesota, where he amassed 40 points (19g-21a) from 66 games played. Szmatula appeared in the NCAA Tournament as a junior during the 2016-17 season.