LAREDO, TX- The Laredo Bucks of the Central Hockey League announced Tuesday that they have signed rookie defenseman Chad Morin and released rookie defenseman Denys Petrukhno. Morin is expected to be in the lineup Thursday when the Bucks travel to Odessa.
 
The 22-year-old Morin was released by the Wheeling Nailers (ECHL) on October 19th after being a healthy scratch in the Nailers first two games.
 
“I just felt that we needed to improve our defense and Chad is going to fill that role,” said Bucks President/General Manager and Head Coach Terry Ruskowski. “He’s a tough, hard nosed defenseman and that’s what we need right now. We think he will be a good addition to our hockey team.”
 
Morin, a native of Auburn, New York, turned professional at the end of last season playing in one game for the Utah Grizzlies (ECHL).
 
The 6’2’’, 215 pound Morin played four seasons at Harvard University appearing in 120 career games. Morin totaled 29 points (6-23=29) in 120 games helping the Crimson lead the ECAC in scoring defense (1.86 goals allowed per game) and penalty killing (91%) in his sophomore season of 2007-08.
 
Last season with Harvard Morin tallied career highs in goals (three), assists (eight) and points (11) while picking up 20 PIM’s.
 
In 2008-09 Morin had four points (0-4=4) and a career high 64 PIM’s in 31 games.
 
During the 2007-08 campaign Morin totaled five points (1-4=5) and 42 PIM’s in 31 contests.
 
In his freshman year of 2006-07 Morin had nine points (2-7=9) and 49 PIM’s in 29 games.
 
Morin won two gold medals for the U.S Under 18 and 17 teams in back to back years in 2004 and 2005.
 
Morin played four seasons of junior hockey splitting time between the OPJHL, NAHL and USHL.