Matt Kaskavitch (play-by-play) was knocked into the losers bracket along with Devils’ Advocate fan Caleb Sherman.  Their fates have yet to be fully determined.

Many tournament favorites were no-shows for the event including  Tony V (DA), Matt Morin (F) and Jared Britton (F).

The tournament is set to finish next weekend as schedules conflicted and the tournament had to be put on halt for the day.

Mike Morgan (G) warming up

Brandon Larson (D) & Dan Walenski (Color)

Bracket After Day 1

While in Rosemount, Morgan played in the Upper Midwest Elite League, a AAA ‘before-the-season’ program showcasing some of the midwest’s best young talent.  In 2006, the 6’1 182lb goaltender participated in the National Select 17′s in 2006 and made a run to the section finals with the Rosemount Irish during his senior season in 2008.

After his time in the ‘State of Hockey’, Morgan headed up to Winkler Manitoba where he played for the Flyers in the MJHL.  After a short stint there, Morgan was shipped down to Boston, MA to play for the Valley Jr. Warriors in the Eastern Junior Hockey League where he was picked up mid-season by head coach Terry Watkins.

Next season will likely showcase Jesse Pischlar (Sudbury, ON) in net for the Blue Devils, but Morgan will be pushing on the Sudbury native for some ice time.  The two goaltenders spend time together both on and off the ice and Morgan knows what he needs to bring to the crease this season.

“Competition is something needed in the goalie position, and I know Pischlar and myself will push each other to be at our best.” said Morgan.

We had a chance to sit down this summer and chat with Mike about some of your burning questions!

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Stouthockey.com:  Favorite NHL goaltender?

Mike Morgan: Chris Osgood and Martin Brodeur

Stouthockey.com: Favorite NHL team?

Mike Morgan:  Detroit Red Wings

Stouthockey.com:  Favorite collegiate team

Mike Morgan:  U of Maine Blackbears

Stouthockey.com:  Best hockey moment in your career so far?

Mike Morgan:  It’s between last year’s Peter’s Cup championship game or the NCAA National Quarterfinals game. Obviously I didn’t play, but both games had a great atmosphere and it was something special just to be a part of.

Stouthockey.com:  Favorite place to play in the NCHA?

Mike Morgan:  Besides “The Dunn” I would have to say UW-River Falls or UW-Superior. Both are quality rinks, and the seamless glass is always a nice feature to have.

Stouthockey.com:  Any pre-game rituals or things ‘you must do’ before going on the ice?

Mike Morgan: I just try to keep to myself and think about the game. Usually I’ll listen to the same song before going out to the ice, Linkin Park ‘Somewhere I Belong’.

Stouthockey.com:  Do you have any preferences towards certain equipment?

Mike Morgan: Vaughn Velocity 3. As for sticks, I’m not too picky, but recently I’ve grown fond of the Sherwood 9950 with the Thibault pattern

Stouthockey.com:  Favorite pre-game meal?

Mike Morgan:  Some sort of pasta with chicken

Stouthockey.com: Blondes or Brunettes?

Mike Morgan:  Brunettes

Stouthockey.com:  All the ladies have been wanting to know, boxers or briefs?

Mike Morgan: Boxers

Stouthockey.com:  A day on the lake in a speed boat or pontoon?

Mike Morgan:  Pontoon

Stouthockey.com:  What do you want to do once you graduate with your degree in Applied Science?

Mike Morgan:  I’d love to be able to continue my hockey career, but if I don’t have that opportunity, I’d like to pursue a career in engineering.

Stouthockey.com: When your not on the ice, where could someone likely find you?

Mike Morgan:  I enjoy playing pool, bocce ball, ping-pong, and volleyball. Of course, I love hitting the sticks and dangling on NHL 09, soon to be NHL 10.