ECHL Bakersfield Condors

Condors sign blueliner Morrow, deal for ECHL rights to goalie McKee

September 16, 2008 - ECHL (ECHL)
Bakersfield Condors News Release


BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - The Bakersfield Condors, official ECHL affiliate of the Anaheim Ducks, announced today they have signed rookie defenseman Thomas Morrow and acquired the ECHL rights to goaltender David McKee from the Charlotte Checkers. Both announcements were made by Head Coach Marty Raymond.

Morrow, 24, spent last season abroad as a member of the Hannover Indians in the German Oberliga. In his first season out of Boston University (NCAA), the 6-foot-7-inch, 220-pound Afton, Minnesota native totaled 18 points (6g, 12a) and 18 penalty minutes in 48 games with the Indians. He qualifies as a rookie this season because the Oberliga does not count toward professional games by ECHL guidelines.

Morrow appeared in 134 games during his four-year collegiate career as a Terrier, tallying 13 points (2g, 11a) and 155 penalty minutes. Prior to attending college, he spent the 2002-03 season playing junior hockey in the United States Hockey League with the Des Moines Buccaneers and Tri-City Storm, finishing the year with a combined 11 points (2g, 9a) and 104 penalty minutes in 57 games.

Morrow becomes the 16th player on the Condors roster for 2008-09, joining D Scott Balan, C Dave Bonk, D Martin Frechette, G Yutaka Fukufuji, RW Liam Huculak, F Andrew Ianiero, D Chris Kaufman, LW Tyrel Lucas, F Tylor Michel, F Matt Pope, F Dale Reinhardt, LW Dany Roussin, C Ryan Salvis, D Tyler Scott and D Kevin Truelson.

What Marty Says:

"Tom is a big and effective defenseman," said Raymond. "He skates well and has good skills for a player his size. He is going to Iowa's AHL training camp, and could be a player that fits between levels in the ECHL and AHL."

The rights to McKee, 24, have been acquired from the Checkers in exchange for future considerations. He spent the majority of the 2007-08 season with the Phoenix RoadRunners in the ECHL, while also appearing with Augusta (ECHL) and the Iowa Stars (American Hockey League). He went 6-11-4 with a 3.92 GAA and a .894 save percentage in the ECHL last season.

The 6-foot-1-inch, 187-pound native of Irving, Texas made his professional debut by appearing in 52 contests with Augusta and seven games in the AHL with the Portland Pirates in 2006-07. He racked up a club record 29 wins with Augusta in his rookie season while leading the ECHL in shootout wins (6) and shootout save percentage (.850). McKee went 5-2-0 with the Pirates, compiling a 2.85 GAA and .899 save percentage with one shutout.

Prior to turning pro, McKee put together one of the finest and most decorated careers in the history of prestigious Cornell University (ECAC). He compiled a career record there of 65-24-13 in just three seasons, ranking second in school history in wins, and owns career Cornell Big Red goaltender records for games in a season (35), career (102) and consecutive games (102) as well. He won seven national and conference honors during his sophomore season, during which he recorded 10 shutouts, as well as the third lowest GAA (1.24) and third highest save percentage (.947) in NCAA hockey history. McKee was also a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award, which goes to the top college player in the country, in two of his three college campaigns.

Notes from The Nest:

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Open House & Family Day is set for Sunday, Oct. 5, so be sure to come to the Bakersfield Ice Sports Center and get your first look at this year's team. The event starts at noon with a team practice, followed by a free public skate with the players. Skate rentals will be available for $3. Admission is free for anyone who brings two non-perishable food items to be collected and donated to the Kern County Food Bank. Season Ticket Books and Gifts will be available for pick up for those who have paid in full. Kids Club packets will also be ready for pick up. For more info, click here or call the front office at (661) 324-PUCK (7825).

Opening Night against the Ontario Reign is just 32 days away, on October 18. Season seats and mini-plans, starting at just $42, are on sale now. Group outings and reservations for the Condors on-ice and VIP suites are now available as well. Visit bakersfieldcondors.com to see further details, stop by the Condors office or call 324-PUCK (7825) for remaining seat availability.

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ECHL Stories from September 16, 2008


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