The Lakers Varsity Men's Hockey team is adding OHL/OJHL graduate Brody Morris, who will patrol the Lakers blueline for this upcoming year, the club announced on Wednesday.
Morris recently wrapped up his junior career with the Wellington Dukes, as well as spending time with Hamilton Bulldogs and Belleville Bulls.
The 21-year-old is looking forward to taking the next step in his hockey career.
“I am very excited to be a part of the Lakers program. I have heard nothing but good things about the program," Morris said.
"From the players I've talked to they all have said it's a blast to be in North Bay and the school is great."
Morris suited up for 113 games in the OHL over three seasons, beginning in 2013-14.
He also played 133 games with the Dukes in the OJHL, picking up 67 points, which included 15 goals.
Morris was originally drafted by the Bulls in 2012, in the ninth round, 172nd overall.
Lakers head coach Mike McParland likes the way his blueline is shaping up and is excited to add Morris to that mix.
“We’re very happy to add some size on defense with the commitment of the 6-foot-2 Morris," said McParland in a release.
"After playing parts of two years with the Belleville Bulls and another with Hamilton, Brody played his overage year with Wellington in the OJHL honing his offensive side of the game.”
For the most part, Morris agreed with McParland’s assessment of his style, noting defence first, but the ability to put up points is there as well.
“I would say I'm a defensive d-man that can also chip in some offence here and there. I pride myself on my ability to play physical and hard on the other team,” Morris said.
The native of Corbyville, ON, Morris picked up 100 penalty minutes in his final season in the OHL and 147 this past season with Wellington, showing his gritty side of the game.
He noted that he will be happy to contribute to the team any way he can and wants to help the program get back to the post-season.
Taking a BA at Nipissing, Morris is hard at work this off-season preparing for the upcoming campaign and McParland likes the way his roster is shaping up, as the program has been able to add a number of key pieces.
“Adding Morris to go along with Matt Donnelly who we added earlier should help us physically in our own end,” McParland stated.
