Underhill Signs NHL Deal with Blackhawks

March 4, 2004 - ECHL (ECHL)
Myrtle Beach Thunderboltz News Release

FLORENCE, SC – The Chicago Blackhawks, NHL affiliate of the Florence Pride, announced today that they have signed Pride goaltender Matt Underhill to an NHL contract. Underhill will report to the Blackhawks in time for tomorrow's home game against the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim.

Underhill, in his second professional season, was recalled by the Norfolk Admirals on February 20. Thus far, he has not appeared in any games with the Admirals. With the Pride this season, Underhill posted a 9-14-3 record in 27 appearances with a 3.57 goals-against average and a .892 save percentage. Last season as a rookie, Underhill was named to the ECHL Southern Conference All-Star Team, and went 16-13-2 with the Pride in 33 games, to go along with a 2.81 goals-against average.

The Campbell River, BC native has spent time each of the last two years in the AHL. Last season, in seven games with the Providence Bruins he went 3-3-1 with a 3.08 goals against average. Earlier this season, he appeared in four games with the Manchester Monarchs, going 2-2-0 with a 2.90 goals against average.

"The entire Pride organization would like to wish Matt nothing but the best in the NHL," Pride Head Coach Perry Florio said. "Matt is one of the hardest working players both on and off ice, and certainly deserves this opportunity."

Only one other Pride player has advanced to the NHL: defenseman Rick Mrozik played in one game with the Calgary Flames last season.

ECHL Stories from March 4, 2004

• Goaltender Valley Called up to Worcester (AHL) for the Second Time in Two Weeks - Peoria Rivermen
• Pride Fall to Snakes - Myrtle Beach Thunderboltz
• Baxter Bulges Twine In AHL Debut - Mississippi Sea Wolves
• Lynx lose game, ground to Ice Pilots in 3-2 OT loss - Augusta Lynx
• Record Total Raised at "Tip-A-Gull" - San Diego Gulls
• Csumrik sent to Peoria - Alaska Aces
• Underhill Signs NHL Deal with Blackhawks - Myrtle Beach Thunderboltz
• Condors Trade Francon and Shakotko - Bakersfield Condors
• Royals Goaltender Honored - Reading Royals
• ECHL Transactions - ECHL
• Sea Wolves Cook Up Deal To Acquire Baker - Mississippi Sea Wolves
• WWE Superstar Batista to Appear at Cyclones Game - Cincinnati Cyclones
• Boardwalk Bullies Booster Club Year-End Banquet Scheduled for March - Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies
• Bicycle Helmets To Be Handed Out Saturday - Mississippi Sea Wolves
• Two Defensemen Return to Pride - Myrtle Beach Thunderboltz
• Koenig Called Up to Cincinnati - San Diego Gulls
• "Interim" Tag Removed - Checkers sign Wilkinson through 2004-05 - Charlotte Checkers
• Zulianello acquired from Long Beach - San Diego Gulls
• Teams Announced for Mr. Manatees Alumni Game - Pensacola Ice Pilots
• Chambers Activated and Cruikshank Placed On IR - Pensacola Ice Pilots
• Reading's Hamerlik Named Sun National Bank ECHL Saver of the Month - ECHL
• Gwinnett's Doell Named CCM ECHL Rookie of the Month - ECHL
• Doell named Rookie of the Month - Atlanta Gladiators
• Larose Brings Total ECHL Players In NHL To 245 - ECHL
• ECHL Today - ECHL
• Royals Downed by Chiefs, 4-3 - Reading Royals
• Lynx Deal Naumenko To Charlotte For Futures - Augusta Lynx
• Tessier Back in Columbus - Columbus Cottonmouths
• Mayes, Lipsett lead Aces to series split - Alaska Aces
• Falcons Prevail in Roller Coaster Ride - Fresno Falcons
• Aces Get Revenge with 3-0 Shutout - Bakersfield Condors
• Right Wing DeCecco and Rookie Defenseman Malcolm Hutt Traded to Alaska - Peoria Rivermen

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Myrtle Beach Thunderboltz Stories

• Pride Granted Voluntary Suspension
• Pee Dee Pride Weekly
• Pride's season ends with 5-2 loss
• Pride End Home Schedule With Bang
• Pee Dee Pride Weekly