Ellis solid on backend for Screaming Eagles

Cape Breton head coach Ron Choules doesn’t mince words when he talks about his hockey club.

“We’re a lunchpail kind of team,” he said. “We word hard.”

And at the center of it all is hard working defenceman and captain Morgan Ellis.

“He stabilizes our defence,” Choules said. “He plays solid with lots of poise. He allows us to work well from the back end on out.”

“It’s a game within a game for him. So far he’s been a leader. He’s a pleasure to coach.”

Ellis has been a rock defensively and added an offensive element to his game. Last year, he had 36 points in 65 games as well as his constant presence on the back end.

He said that his offensive game comes with the territory of getting first pairing minutes.

“I would say I’m a defensive defenseman,” Ellis said. “The coaches have said though if you have an opportunity to jump in on the play then go for it. The points come since I’ve been getting some powerplay time, but I wouldn’t say I’m an offensive defenseman.”

Coach Choules echoed that statement, adding that Ellis has the talent to play a two-way game.

“His points come,” Choules said. “When you play all the minutes he does, you’re bound to get the points. He has a hell of a shot, and can play offensively too.”

Ellis is a four-year veteran of the QMJHL. He broke into the league in 2008-09, with six points in 52 games. Two seasons ago, Ellis settled in and showed some of his offensive chops, earning 29 points in 60 games. Last season, he added eight goals to his 36 points.

As well, Ellis is in his second season as Screaming Eagles captain, a role he respects and enjoys.

“I look to be a leader with the group,” he said. “I want to help out the new players, keep things loose. I like to help out the younger players on the team and show them how it’s done.”

Ellis has been gone from the Screaming Eagles lately though, attending training camp with the Montreal Canadiens.

Ellis was a fourth-round pick of the Habs in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. He said going to camp for a second time will be easier on the nerves.

“I’m more prepared for it,” he said. “It’s some long days. I know some people there now, which helps, and I know what to expect now. I’m prepared for it.”

To make an impression in Habs camp, Ellis will have his work cut out for him. His defensive game will have to shine through, and his offensive game will be a benefit in the next level.

Ellis admits that starting in his zone and working outward will be the best plan of action to advance to the pro ranks.

“It’s a really big step [from junior hockey to the professional ranks],” he said. “I want to stay good in my zone and keep my defensive game, while improving.

“Any team wants a defensive, solid-in-their-own-end defenseman. I just have to play my game, no matter the circumstance, and not rush myself. Play at my pace and not rush the play. I want my game to evolve as I grow professionally.”

Ellis has his goals in mind on where to improve.

“I want to work on my offensive game,” he said. “It’s getting better. The skating and the defensive game are good [skills to have] for the pro game, but then whatever you can add offensively can help you stand out and help your team even more.

“Ultimately, I’d like to be a two-way defenseman [in the pros].”