BUFFALO, N.Y. – Western Michigan hockey alum Mattias Samuelsson became the 29th player in program history to play in the National Hockey League after making his debut with the Buffalo Sabres in a 4-2 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Sunday afternoon.
 
Samuelsson played two seasons at Western Michigan from 2018-20, appearing in 65 career games, scoring seven goals and adding 19 assists for 26 points. The left-shot defenseman also finished with a career plus/minus of +20. Samuelsson was a second round draft pick by the Sabres, selected 32nd overall, becoming the second-highest draft pick in program history.
 
The Voorhees, N.J., native had 14:12 of ice time and registered two hits with one shot on goal in the win.
 
Samuelsson is the eighth player to reach the NHL under head coach Andy Murray and joined former teammate Wade Allison, who made his NHL debut last Thursday with the Philadelphia Flyers.