Everblades Sign Goalie with NHL Experience

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/* ESTERO, Fla. – The Florida Everblades have signed a net minder with National Hockey League experience.  
“His experience at that level will be vital to our team this season”, said Everblades Head Coach, Malcolm Cameron.
Thirty-year-old Medford, Maine native, Mike Morrison, signed on with the Albany River Rats, the AHL (American Hockey League) affiliate of the Blades.   Morrison was drafted in 1998, 7th round, 186th   overall, by the Edmonton Oilers, then went on to play four solid years of hockey for the University of Maine Black Bears.   The Bears won the very first College Hockey Classic at Germain Arena (home of the Florida Everblades) back in 2000.
 
Morrison has played with three ECHL teams (Columbus Cottonmouths, Greenville Grrrowl, Phoenix Roadrunners) and three AHL teams (Toronto/Edmonton Roadrunners, San Antonio Rampage, Bridgeport Sound Tigers).   His bigget draw for the Blades is his 29 games in the NHL.
 
Morrison played 21 games with the Edmonton Oilers, 4 games with the Ottawa Senators and 4 with the Phoenix Coyotes.   His best season was with the Oilers in 2005-06 (10-4-2, 2.83 GAA (goals against average), .884% (save percentage).
 
At 6 foot, 3 inches, and 202 pounds, Morrison is someone who will be a formidable opponent in the Blades net.   This past season, Morrison played in Europe – Sweden and Austria.   This gives him a wealth of experience in different leagues as well as different countries.   He should be able to motivate and mentor the young Florida players.
 
Morrison is a former college teammate of Blades veteran, Peter Metcalf.   The seeds for his invitation to play in Florida were planted when he came to see a Blades playoff game and visit his friend.
 
Morrison will head to the Albany training camp first before he comes to Florida to start the season for the Everblades.
 
The Florida Everblades start their season on the road, playing October 16, 17 and 18th in Toledo.   Their first home game stretch, at Germain Arena in Estero, FL, is Friday October 23rd and Saturday October 24th.
 
Contact the author at: sharon.weatherhead@prohockeynews.com 
 

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