Stoia Inks Deal With Mississippi

The Blue Water Stars Professional Hockey Club is extremely excited to announce that Forward Matt Stoia has signed a one-way deal with the Mississippi Sea Wolves of the Federal Prospects Hockey League. Stoia, 24, from Marysville, Michigan, has played several years of high level hockey over his career including major junior (OHL), USHL, and over 145 professional games split between the SPHL and the FPHL. 
  
  After an underwhelming start to 2023/2024 season, Blue Water President Austin Dunn and Vice President Melissa Dauphinais knew the team needed a culture shift on and off the ice and decided to make a change to the front office. The ownership tandem responded by hiring Derrick Eshelman has their new General Manager and Eshelman wasted no time in signing Stoia. "Once Dunn handed over the keys to roster, I knew we needed veteran leadership and someone who could find the back of the net, my first call was to Matt. After a lengthy conversation, Matty knew what we were trying to build and loved everything he heard about the new direction this organization was headed in. We couldn't be more excited to see Stoia get another shot in the Fed and it just proves this teams commitment to developing players while making Blue Water one of the best organizations in minor league hockey."  

  Although the Stoia promotion defines what the Stars organization strives for when it comes to helping all players fulfill their hockey agendas, this does leave Blue Water without one of their top scorers as Stoia is averaging over 2 points per game. "Matt's a big guy with a soft touch, has a tremendous hockey IQ, and more importantly is just a true professional on and off the ice. Were certainly going to miss his presence in the lineup, but our team knows this is part of the business and I look forward to seeing who steps up to fill the void" said Brian Bjornholm, the Stars newly appointed Head Coach. 

  We wish Matt the best of luck at the next level and were excited to see his continued success. The Stars look to get their second win in a row when they take the ice January 6th vs The Detroit Warhawks at the Dearborn Ice Skating Center.