ESTERO, Fla. - Florida Everblades General Manager Craig Brush, along with Director of Hockey Operations and Head Coach Brad Ralph, announced the signing of defenseman Jake Clifford for the 2020-21 season.
Clifford played one game for the Everblades in the 2019-20 season after he was acquired from the Tulsa Oilers as part of a trade between the teams in March. The Brecksville, Ohio native totaled 13 points (4g-9a) in 49 games last year with Tulsa.
Before his professional career, Clifford played college hockey at Arizona State University from 2015-19. His first year on campus at Arizona State also marked ASU’s first season as an NCAA Division I program. As a senior in 2019, Clifford helped lead the Sun Devils to their first-ever NCAA tournament berth.
At the end of his junior year in college, he was named as an Arthur Ashe Jr. Scholar Athlete of the Year. The prestigious award is given to student athletes who display an excellent level of play, high standing in the classroom, and involvement in the community. Throughout his time at Arizona State, Clifford spent time with the Phoenix Children's Hospital Child Life Zone, and also worked with the Arizona special needs community during hockey season.