The St. Louis Jr. Blues, proud members of the NA3HL, are pleased to announce that defenseman Joey Boccardi has signed a tender agreement with the Bismarck Bobcats of the North American Hockey League. The Bobcats play in the Central Division of the NAHL.
A St. Louis native who joined the Jr. Blues in 2018, the 6’, 175 lb left-hander has grown into a top offensive blue-liner during his time with the Jr. Blues. This season he led all St. Louis defensemen in all offensive categories, with 12 goals and 25 assists in 37 games. He was called up by the NAHL Springfield Jr. Blues for their trip to Alaska, where he played in three games, and for the second straight year skated for the Central Division team at the NA3HL Top Prospects Tournament in Attleboro, Mass., where he netted two goals and added an assist. His hockey success was not limited to juniors this season: as captain of St. John Vianney High School in St. Louis, he led the Griffins to their first city championship in 24 years and was named Prep Hockey Player of the Year by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
“Joey’s a mature, strong defenseman who brings a lot of offensive talent to the table,” said Jr. Blues head coach Chris Flaugher. “He’s physically and mentally tough and has proven that he has what it takes to succeed at a higher level. We’re incredibly happy to see Joey tender with Bismarck. They’re a great program with a great track record of advancement.”
Boccardi becomes not only the second Jr. Blues player to sign an NAHL tender, but also the second to tender with a Central Division team, as forward Seamus Campbell signed with Aberdeen in February.
