Heard Recalled to Charlotte; Keegan Bruce Added to Roster

ESTERO, FL – Florida Everblades President and General Manager Craig Brush along with Head Coach Brad Ralph announced Saturday that forward Mitchell Heard has been recalled by the Charlotte Checkers of the American Hockey League (AHL).  In addition, the team has added forward Keegan Bruce to the roster.

Heard, 25, earns his is second call up to Charlotte this season having posted 30 points (13g, 17a) along with 96 penalty minutes in 34 games played with the Everblades this season.  Heard has appeared in one game with Charlotte back on December 30.  The 6-1, 205-pound forward has totaled 39 career points and 500 penalty minutes in 196 career AHL games. The Bowmanville, Ontario native has amassed 91 points in 90 career ECHL contests.

Bruce, 26, joins the ‘Blades after posting 18 points (9g, 9a) in 26 games played this season with the Birmingham Bulls of the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) games. The 6-1, 180-pound winger logged a balanced 51 points (27g, 24a) in 56 appearances with the Columbus Cottonmouths (SPHL).

Bruce is expected to be in the lineup Saturday when the Everblades battle the Jacksonville Icemen at the Veterans Memorial Arena. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m.

Broadcast information:  Saturday’s game broadcast will be online only.  Fans may tune in online by CLICKING HERE.  Fans may also watch the game online at ECHL.TV