Morton, who joined the Wranglers after completing his college career, also added an assist in his AHL debut
The euphoric ride of a week for Calgary Flames prospect Sam Morton hit another high on Wednesday when he was named among the 10 finalists for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award as the top player in the NCAA.
Morton, 24, inked a deal with the Flames at the conclusion of his career at Minnesota State Mankato. He finished his college season with 24 goals and 34 points in 37 games and was named CCHA top forward and overall player.
Signed to an Amateur Tryout with the AHL Calgary Wranglers for the rest of this season, Morton collected an assist on Mitch McLain’s game-winning goal in a 2-1 win over the Bakersfield Condors on Tuesday in his debut.
“It’s a lot of fun,” he said during a posted interview on the Wranglers’ website. “There’s a lot of talented guys that you’re playing with, so it’s exciting. It’ll take a little time and have to take it in, but keep taking steps in the right direction.
Morton provides the Flames a left-handed centre in the system. Although he turns 25 in July, he would not be the first late bloomer to make a mark in the NHL. Former Flames forward Derek Ryan, now with the Edmonton Oilers, made his NHL debut at age 29. After his junior days were completed, Ryan spent four years at the University of Alberta and then four seasons in Europe, and now has skated in more than 600 NHL games. Joel Ward was 26 years old when he skated in his first NHL game after a full college career at the University Prince Edward Island, and played more than 800 games, counting playoffs before retiring. Morton has a long way to be even listed in that category, but took a strong first step in his AHL debut.
“Honestly, I thought I was fighting the puck a little bit, but I kind of expected that. I’ll keep going day-by-day and hope to get better each day,” he said.
The Wranglers play host to the Condors again Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Saddledome.
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