Downing returns to Everblades

ESTERO, Fla. — Florida Everblades General Manager Craig Brush, along with head coach Brad Ralph, announced that the team has agreed to terms with defenseman Michael Downing 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.Downing, who is entering his fourth professional season, appeared in 17 regular-season games for the Everblades last season, posting eight points (1g-7a). He finished third among the team’s defensemen with nine points (4g-5a) in the 2019 Kelly Cup Playoffs.

A native of Canton, Michigan, Downing has played most of his professional career in the AHL, suiting up in 96 career games spread across four seasons. He saw action in a career-high 67 games for the Springfield Thunderbirds in the 2016-17 campaign, his first full year out of college. Downing logged a career-best 13 points (2g-11a) that season and has 18 points (3g-15a) in his AHL career.

Downing has also played 21 career contests in the ECHL, registering 10 points (2g-8a) with Florida and Manchester.

Downing made his jump to the professional ranks after playing three seasons at the University of Michigan from 2013-16. In 105 career games with the Wolverines, he racked up 54 points (11g-43a) while earning Big Ten All-Rookie Team honors in 2013-14 and a Big Ten All-Second Team distinction in 2014-15. He helped guide Michigan to the 2015-16 Big Ten Tournament championship.