Newkirk split last season between the AHL and ECHL
The Springfield Thunderbirds have signed forward Reece Newkirk to a one-year deal, the team announced Tuesday.
Drafted by the New York Islanders in the fifth round of the 2019 NHL Draft, Newkirk split this past season between the Bridgeport Islanders and the Worcester Railers (ECHL). In 16 games with Bridgeport, he collected three points. With Worcester, Newkirk scored eight goals and added six assists for 14 points in 16 games.
Before turning pro in 2021-22, Newkirk played junior hockey in the SJHL (Melville Millionaires) and WHL (Portland Winterhawks). Since then, Newkirk has 10 points in 45 AHL games and 78 points in 102 ECHL games.
As Newkirk leaves the organization who drafted him, he will look to establish himself as an everyday AHL player. Although that hasn't happened yet, Newkirk has the awareness and skills to accomplish that in the near future.
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