Former Gophers hockey player Cade Fairchild made his NHL debut Tuesday for the St. Louis Blues against the Washington Capitals.

Fairchild, a Duluth, Minn., native, was drafted in the fourth round of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. In four years at Minnesota he racked up 21 goals and 72 assists.

In 19 games with the Peoria Rivermen, the American Hockey League affilate of the Blues, Fairchild has two goals, five assists and is a plus-18.

Fairchild was called up after defenseman Carlo Colaiacovo was placed on injured reserve following a hamstring injury.

The Blues beat the Capitals 2-1, Fairchild played a little more than 10 minutes and recorded one shot on goal.