The NAHL’s Springfield Jr. Blues have announced that Top Prospects forward Jonathan Panisa has committed to play NCAA Division III hockey for St. Olaf College.

Panisa, a native of Irvine, spent parts of three seasons in Springfield and was a pivotal component of Springfield’s return to play for the 2021-22 season. He is a two-time draft pick of the Jr. Blues, being selected with No. 10 pick in 2018 and then as the No. 6 pick in 2021.

During the 2021-22 season, Panisa put up nine goals and 17 assists in 34 games en route to his second Top Prospects Tournament selection. He also played in the event during the 2019-20 season.

“JP is an electric player who has all the potential in the world,” said Jr. Blues head coach Tyler Rennette. “He’s an even better young man that we have enjoyed seeing grow these last few seasons, and we are excited for his opportunity at St. Olaf.”

For his time in Springfield, Panisa appeared in 81 games and recorded 23 goals and 39 assists for 62 total points.

He provided several notable highlight reel moments during his time in Springfield, but it’ll be hard to imagine any moment standing out more than his two-goal performance this past December against Kenai River. Down late in the game for the second night in a row, Panisa took control and scored not only the game-tying goal shorthanded but buried a wicked wrister 27 seconds into overtime to seal the come-from-behind victory.

During his youth hockey days, Panisa skated for the Anaheim Jr. Ducks, California Wave and Beckman High School.

Photo/NAHL

(August 9, 2022)