Undrafted 4th year defenseman Matt Register(22) has easily worked for every inch he’s gained in pro hockey.
Starting a little late as an 18-year old in the AJHL (Alberta Junior Hockey League), which is a rung lower than say the WHL, then transferring out after three years to the local senior ice hockey Chinook HL before half way through what could be looked at as his really strange rookie season signed a deal with Allen Americans of the old Central Hockey League.
The decently-sized 6’2″ 205 lbs. blue liner must have been comfortable, because quickly in the off-season he signed his first deal with Tulsa Oilers.
He spent 2 months with them, then left for Arizona Sundogs. He lasted another two months there then we’re going to need someone to explain this one to us, as he was signed to an AHL deal with Manchester Monarchs and reassigned to affiliate Ontario Reign for the remainder of 2012/2013.
In 17 ECHL games his offensive completely sprung to life scoring 4 goals and 9 assists with a +6 rating. He also appeared in all 10 playoff games putting up three assists with a +5 plus/minus.
It’s almost like he was waiting for his chance and someone had it under their radar.
For 2013/2014 he signed a one-year contract to return to Ontario Reign.
It was his third season and his game seemed to be stepping up to the challenges and was named CCM Defenseman Of The Year.
He skated 67 contests putting up a career high 14 goals and 30 assists with a +21 rating, which is crazy for a kid that literally popped out of nowhere.
Last year he had probably his best showing yet, tying his goal mark at 14, adding 36 assists for 50 points in his third year skating for Ontario Reign.
He was even loaned up to Chicago Wolves for a couple of weeks and played his first 6 AHL games and even throwing out 4 helpers.
The 26-year old recently signed on for 2015/2016 with Atlanta Gladiators but has been given a try-out with new affiliate Providence Bruins.
In preseason action he may have been on the 4-2 losing end of a preseason game but he certainly didn’t seem out of place out there.
On 10/5 he was reassigned to start the season with his team of contract, Atlanta Gladiators.