Underhill Makes NHL Debut

Published on March 7, 2004 under ECHL (ECHL)
Myrtle Beach Thunderboltz News Release


FLORENCE, SC – Florence Pride goaltender Matt Underhill made his NHL debut earlier today in the Chicago Blackhawks' 4-3 overtime loss to the Edmonton Oilers at the United Center. He becomes the second Pride player to advance to the NHL, joining defenseman Rick Mrozik (1999-200), who played in one game with the Calgary Flames last season. Underhill is the 247th former ECHL player to advance to the National Hockey League.

Chicago signed Underhill to a National Hockey League contract on Thursday when goaltender Adam Munro suffered a concussion. Underhill served as Michael Leighton's back-up in a 5-2 loss to the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim on Friday. He was pressed into duty today after Leighton came down with the flu prior to today's contest.

Underhill faced 33 shots in the overtime loss, making 29 saves. The overtime game-winner was scored by Jarret Stoll, just 44 seconds into the extra session.

The 24-year-old Underhill appeared in 27 games with the Pride this season, going 9-14-3 with a 3.57 goals against average. He also played in four AHL games with the Manchester Monarchs, going 2-2-0 with a 2.90 goals against average. He signed a Professional Tryout Agreement with the Norfolk Admirals on February 21, but did not appear in any games with the Admirals prior to being signed by the Blackhawks.

Last season as a rookie, the Campbell River, BC native appeared in 33 games with the Pride, fashioning a 16-13-2 record to go along with a 2.81 goals against average. He played in seven games with the AHL's Providence Bruins, going 3-3-1 with a goals against average of 3.08. In addition, he was named to the Southern Conference team for the 2003 ECHL All-Star Game.

Florence returns to action Tuesday night, with a 7:00 face-off against the Greenville Grrrowl at the BI-LO Center. The Palmetto Chiropractic Pre-Game Show starts at 6:40 on WDAR Sunny 105.5 The Pride return home Friday, hosting the South Carolina Stingrays at 7:30. Tickets are available at the Florence Civic Center Box Office, or by calling (843) 669-7825.

Fans can now vote for the Colrotyme Most Valuable Player. Boxes are on display at the Customer Service Table at each home game. Fans can place their vote in the respective player's box. At the end of the season, the player with the most votes, as well as one lucky fan, will win a 52-inch RCA color television, courtesy of Colortyme Rent-to-Own, located at 938 S. Irby Street.

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