Moon Township, Pa. – In what has become a ritual of fall, the Robert Morris University men's hockey program will have its alumni participating in NHL rookie tournaments this month.
However, there's a new twist on the news this time.
While Andrew Blazek will skate this weekend in Nashville as a defenseman on the Florida Panthers' rookie squad, Furman South will hold a whistle at the annual Traverse City NHL Prospects Tournament in Michigan, where he will serve as an official.
For Blazek, this is the second time he's attracted the notice of an NHL club in this manner; the Upper St. Clair native took part in the Pittsburgh Penguins' developmental camp in 2011. After finishing his RMU career with an Atlantic Hockey Association championship this spring, Blazek signed on with the Cincinnati Cyclones of the ECHL, playing in 26 games between the regular season and playoffs.
"I'm going to do whatever I can to make the most of this," Blazek said. "I'm grateful for the invitation. It's because of my teammates and coaches at RMU and in Cincinnati that I have been given this opportunity."
The 6-foot-1 left-handed shooting Blazek compiled 17 goals and 34 assists in 129 games for the Colonials from 2009-14; he signed a contract with the Cyclones this summer. The 25-year-old is one of eight defensemen on the Panthers' rookie team that will face squads from the Boston Bruins, Tampa Bay Lightning and host Predators from Saturday, Sept. 13 through Tuesday, Sept. 16.
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As for South, his inclusion at the prestigious Traverse City tournament is a vote of confidence from ECHL Director of Officiating Joe Ernst, who has called on 14 young men in stripes to maintain order at the event. South will serve as one of eight referees, although he's just getting his start in pro-level officiating.
South, a 26-year-old Sewickley native, was a defensive-minded forward for RMU from 2008-12, scoring 11 goals and 20 assists in 133 NCAA matches. He was invited to last month's NHL Officiating Exposure Combine, which included physical testing in addition to officiating work.
"I've been loking for ways to stay involved with the game since I've been done playing," South said. "This opportunity has emerged and it's something that I'm really excited about. Officiating seems like a great way to stay involved in the sport that maybe most players don't think of getting into."
Ernst told ScoutingTheRefs.com that South has potential despite his limited experience. Ernst added that "there's a possibility…he'll find his way onto our staff in the ECHL."
RMU enters its second decade of Division I men's hockey in 2014-15. Paced by a talented cast of 19 returners from last season's NCAA Tournament squad, the Colonials will play 17 home games at the Island Sports Center this season.
On top of its biggest home schedule ever, RMU will host the third-annual Three Rivers Classic at Consol Energy Center from Dec. 29-30. The Colonials will also play the first outdoor game in team history Jan. 3, when they battle Bowling Green at Toledo's Fifth Third Field.
For more information on Pittsburgh's College Hockey Team, including a full season schedule, visit rmucolonials.com.
