The Florida Everblades continue to keep the ECHL on notice with another big addition, as they’ve signed defenseman Connor Doherty for the 2024-25 season. Doherty, who will be entering his eighth season, has played in 345 regular season games, putting up 10 goals and 65 assists for 75 points, and had spent the past three seasons as the captain of the Maine Mariners, prior to that he had spent time with the Kansas City Mavericks and Worcester Railers. The Massachusetts native has also added a goal and four assists for five points in 24 career Kelly Cup Playoff Games. The 31-year-old defenseman also took home the Community Service Award in 2020. Before going pro, Doherty spent three years at Sacred Heart University, putting up seven goals and 14 assists in 99 games with the Pioneers and wearing an “A” in his final season at Sacred Heart.
For the Everblades, this is the second former Mariner they signed after Alex Kile joined the team earlier this off-season. Despite being limited to only 36 games last season, Doherty still has a lot to offer the Everblades on the backend, especially with the loss of Will Reilly and Cole Moberg. He adds a physical presence on the backend as well and isn’t afraid to drop the gloves, as he’s picked up 100+ PIMs in each of the past two seasons, which fits the style of play of the Everblades. Doherty becomes the 10th signing for the Everblades this off-season and the fourth defenseman who is locked up for next season.
