Blazers Grant Morrow Leave of Absence

December 14, 2004 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Oklahoma City Blazers News Release


Oklahoma City, Okla. – The Oklahoma City Blazers of the Central Hockey League granted forward Brenden Morrow an indefinite leave of absence, Blazers head coach Doug Sauter announced today.

Morrow, who has participated in 19 of the Blazers 23 games during the NHL lockout, requested the transaction for time off to properly attend to existing ankle and elbow injuries. Morrow will also focus on the ongoing negotiations with NHLPA and team owners.

Head coach Doug Sauter supports Morrow's decision, and will keep lines of communication open with a potential regular season/playoff return available to the Team Canada member. "Brenden did everything he was asked - and more - whether it was on the ice, off the ice, or on the bus. He truly is an athlete playing for the love of the game. Hockey comes first to Brenden. His teammates and the coaching staff will miss him. We are leaving the door open for a return."

"I was impressed with the operation of the CHL from top to bottom" said Morrow. "There are many skilled and talented players in the league that have bright futures ahead of them. I consider myself lucky to play for a classy organization that respects my decision to prepare myself the potential of an NHL season."

Morrow collected 22 points (8-14-22) in 19 games with the Blazers this season. His 14 assists leads the club while his 22 points is second. Oklahoma City retains Morrow's CHL rights, leaving open the potential of a return later in the season pending the outcome of negotiations between the NHLPA and the team owners.

The departure of Morrow leaves a veteran spot open on the Blazers roster. Each CHL team is permitted to carry four players with 260-or-more games of professional experience. Sauter will orchestrate a proper timetable to fill the team's remaining vet spot.

Oklahoma City hits the road Friday for the team's first ever trip to south Texas. December 17, the Blazers take on the Corpus Christi Rayz in Corpus at 7:05 p.m. December 18, the Blazers battle the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees for the first time in franchise history at 7:35 p.m. The Blazers' next home game is December 21 against the Wichita Thunder at 7:05 p.m.



Central Hockey League Stories from December 14, 2004


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