Masella inks deal with Everblades

ESTERO, Fla. — Florida Everblades head coach Brad Ralph announced the signing of defenseman Ben Masella for the 2019-20 season.

The Everblades are the ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League's Nashville Predators and the American Hockey League's Milwaukee Admirals.

A native of Montreal, Quebec, Masella was a key piece of Florida’s defensive corps during the 2018-19 season, finishing the campaign with a career-high six goals and netting a total of 18 points.

A product of St. Lawrence University, Masella stepped up during the postseason for Florida. He was tied for the team lead among defensemen with 10 points (4g-6a) during the 2019 Kelly Cup Playoffs. He also posted the highest scoring game by an Everlades' player in the playoffs with four points (2g-2a) in a 5-1 win over the Jacksonville Icemen on April 20.

Through two full seasons in the ECHL, Masella has logged ice time in 140 career games with 40 points (9g-31a). He tabbed 22 points (3g-19a) in his first full season in the league in 2017-18 with the Worcester Railers.

Prior to turning professional, Masella notched 24 points (4g-20a) in 99 career games at St. Lawrence. He served as an alternate captain for the Saints in his senior season in 2016-17, when he posted eight points (1g-7a) in 37 games.