It was fun watching this guy. As a Canes fan I started watching Umass last year a lot more to see Morrow, and I was surprised about Ufko. As a Canes fan I assumed Morrow was a first pairing guy who played in all situations, he was putting up big numbers. I figured he was the man at UMass. When I actually started watching I realized that this was the Ufko show, and Morrow plays a sheltered role by comparison. Ufko is the top pair guy, he quarterbacks the pp (over Morrow who plays in the Ovy spot), he’s the top penalty killer and he’s always on the ice in the last minute of a close game in either direction. Deservingly. Morrow plays late if they need a goal and he’s very dangerous when he’s got the puck but that’s it. He’s a second pairing pp specialist by comparison, no pk at all even at the NCAA level. This is why it cracks me up to have Pens fans losing their minds about not getting Morrow in the Guentzel trade.
I don’t know that a guy this size can make it translate like some others have but you’ve got an outstanding pick here Pred’s fans. He’s a great story, he’s easy to root for. He’s like if “Rudy” was also the best guy on the team. At this level he’s a great skater who pushes the play offensively, moves the puck well, attacks his man on D, throws himself in front of shots even if it means charging the point and laying it down. Played big in big games down the stretch. That series towards the end of the season against Umass Amherst was amazing. He went end to end to win the first game in OT, then the next night playing them again he sniped the last minute PP goal to tie it and then won the game again in OT. Clutch. Coach has said he’s the best defenseman he’s coached aside from Makar. The pic with him signing his contract with his entire team standing behind him supporting him moving on despite having a year left is awesome. Maybe they all do that but it’s still a really nice touch.
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