ST. LOUIS, MO.—Former SUNY Potsdam men's hockey player Kevin McFarland '12 is spending the National Hockey League preseason in St. Louis Blues camp. The goaltender, who set the Bears' single-season save percentage mark (.914) in 2011-12, is enjoying every second of his experience while it lasts.

McFarland, a St. Louis native, was afforded the opportunity due to the NHL lockout. The Blues 3rd and 4th goalies on the depth chart are currently playing for St. Louis' top farm team, the Peoria Rivermen, thereby creating a need for an additional goaltender spot in shortened training camp.

From blues.nhl.com ---Click to see full training camp report

“The Blues invited former CBC High School graduate Kevin McFarland to training camp this season, giving the team an extra goaltender in camp. Typically, Jake Allen and Mike McKenna would be available, but they are currently needed in Peoria.

McFarland was happy to take advantage of the opportunity.

'It's certainly a special moment. Growing up in St. Louis, being such a big Blues fan, you dream about being part of the team,' McFarland said. 'Being able to be out there with the guys has been a fun experience so far. '

McFarland has been skating with the team during informal skates recently. He played hockey at CBC for three seasons and graduated in 2005.

'If this ends tomorrow and they don't need me anymore, it still would be an excellent experience,' McFarland said. 'Everybody here in the organization has been so good to me and welcomed me in.'

SUNY Potsdam (6-9-1, 3-5 SUNYAC) returns to action on Saturday with a conference road game against Morrisville at 7 p.m.