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The Florida Everblades have signed forward Ross Carlson to a contract for the 2008-09 season.

Carlson becomes the second former Texas Wildcatter to follow former coach Malcolm Cameron to Southwest Florida this offseason. As a rookie last year, in his first full professional season, Carlson split time between three teams in two leagues. The 26-year-old spent the majority of the season with the Wildcatters, where he compiled 38 points (18g, 20a) in 49 games.

"Ross proved to me last year in Texas that he is a versatile player, and showed that the bigger the game, the bigger the player he was," Cameron said. "He was one of the best penalty killers in the league and showed his worth with a couple call-ups to the AHL. He also brings championship experience from his college days with him, which is extremely valuable to a coach and a team."

In late December, Carlson earned a call-up to the Rockford Ice Hogs of the American Hockey League where he saw action in three games, scoring one goal. After a return trip to Texas until March, the Duluth, Minn., native finished off the 2007-08 campaign by playing in 16 games with the Houston Aeros of the AHL. Carlson tallied four points (1g, 3a) in his 16 regular season games with Houston, and then skated in four Calder Cup Playoff games with the Aeros.

Carlson made his professional debut in 2006-07 by playing in four games with the Providence Bruins of the AHL, picking up one assist. Prior to turning pro the 5-foot-11, 185 pound centerman completed a four-year collegiate career at the University of Wisconsin. As a Badger he notched 90 points (33g, 57a) in 131 career games and helped lead Wisconsin to an NCAA championship during his junior year in 2005-06 when the Badgers defeated Boston College.

Before joining the college ranks Carlson competed at the junior level in the United States Hockey League for three seasons with Des Moines and Waterloo. In 155 career USHL games he totaled 103 points.