RALEIGH, NC — Scott Morrow grew up with more hockey guidance than most young players.
His father, Steve, and his uncle, Scott, played together at the University of New Hampshire. Each also played in the American Hockey League.
“From an early age, because I have and uncle and a father who played pro hockey, they’re always on me about treating my body well and doing the things off the ice to prepare myself,” the Carolina Hurricanes defenseman prospect said. “A lot of kids go to practice and that’s it. But introducing me to weight training, eating right, stretching, all of that stuff at a young age, has really left an impression on me.”
The practical advice has brought the 19-year-old a long way. Selected by the Hurricanes in the second round (No. 40) of the 2021 NHL Draft, Morrow was second in scoring for the University of Massachusetts as a freshman with 33 points (13 goals, 20 assists) in 37 games last season. Morrow (6-foot-2, 195 pounds) will return to college for 2022-23.
“I just think I need to be more prepared physically, just spend another year in the weight room before I’m ready to play against men,” Morrow said. “That’s something I’m going to take really seriously. During the college season, just playing two games a week and having a whole week to prepare and be in the weight room is something that’s a huge positive.”
Morrow, a right-hand shot and puck-moving defenseman, said he aspires to quarterback an NHL power play. His focus on offense also comes courtesy of his father; Steve Morrow played two seasons for Hershey (1991-93) and had seven points (one goal, six assists) in 69 AHL games.
“I think playing defense at a young age and trying to be offensive really helped me, because as a defenseman, you’re able to see the entire ice,” the younger Morrow said. “That’s kind of where you grow your hockey IQ. Having someone like my dad around, he was a defensive-style defenseman. That’s why he didn’t make it (to the NHL), I think.
“He always encouraged me to have that offensive growth in my game. I don’t know how much of it is learned and natural, but it’s a little of both.”
Morrow participated in his first development camp with Carolina this summer after it did not hold one last year. Peter Harrold, who played 274 NHL games with the Los Angeles Kings and New Jersey Devils and works with the Hurricanes in defensemen development, said he’s been impressed with Morrow thus far.
“I see a very intelligent player,” Harrold said. “He makes passes and reads, especially on offense with the puck, which are hard to teach. He sees the game at a very high level.
“He’s got to keep growing into his body and he’s got to get a little bit better at the physical and the skill stuff, but Scott’s attitude is one of constant improvement. He has that growth mindset.”
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