Cochrane’s Dillon Dube has scored his first goal since returning to North American pro hockey, helping the AHL’s Springfield Thunderbirds earn a comeback win on Dec. 28.
Dube tied the game with 1:05 remaining in regulation against the Bridgeport Islanders. With Bridgeport goaltender Jakub Skarek on the bench for an extra attacker, Hugh McGing carried the puck along the right-wing circle and sent a pass across the crease, where Dube redirected it past netminder Hunter Tikkanen.
Dube, left, celebrates his first goal with the Springfield. Photo/Springfield Thunderbirds
The goal helped the Thunderbirds force overtime and complete the comeback, avenging a similar late collapse against Bridgeport earlier this month.
Dube signed a professional tryout with Springfield, the St. Louis Blues’ AHL affiliate, earlier in December. He made his Thunderbirds debut on Dec. 20, picking up an assist in a 3-1 win over the Charlotte Checkers, and added another helper in a loss to Charlotte the following night.
Dube had assists in his first two games as a Thunderbird against the Charlotte Checkers. Photo/Springfield Thunderbirds Facebook
The 27-year-old last played in North America when he dressed for the NHL’s Calgary Flames in January 2024. He took an indefinite leave of absence at that time, with the team citing mental-health reasons.
Later that month, Dube was among five members of Canada’s 2018 world junior hockey team charged with sexual assault. An Ontario Superior Court justice found all five players not guilty following an eight-week trial, and the Crown has said it will not appeal the ruling.
Dube’s contract with the Flames expired last season, and the club did not pursue his return.
He spent the 2024-25 season with Dinamo Minsk of the KHL, recording 11 points (four goals, seven assists) and 25 penalty minutes in 42 regular-season games.
Dube was selected by Calgary in the second round, 56th overall, at the 2016 NHL Draft. Over six NHL seasons with the Flames, he totalled 127 points (57 goals, 70 assists) and 105 penalty minutes in 325 regular-season games.
He also has previous AHL experience, appearing in 56 games over three seasons with the Stockton Heat — now the Calgary Wranglers — from 2017-18 through 2019-20.
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The Blues announced their decision to sign Dube to a professional tryout on Dec. 10.
“This decision follows a comprehensive review of the details of his case and discussions at all levels of our organization,” the team said in a statement. “We are confident in the decision to offer the tryout and will provide the necessary support to ensure Dillon contributes positively both on the ice and in the community.”
Springfield is back on home ice tonight, hosting the Providence Bruins on New Year’s Eve.