The 19-year-old architectural drafting student has been in Southern's extended squad for the past three seasons, but last year he was dropped from the side.
He is keen to cement his spot with some strong performances and, hopefully, score a few goals for his team in the process.
Southern opens its National Hockey League campaign against Canterbury in Timaru tomorrow, and backs up the following day with a match against Capital in Dunedin.
The team is aiming for a top-four finish and Morris has his eyes on an even bigger prize later in the year. He has been included in a 30-strong New Zealand under-21 side and, if he makes the final cut, there is a trip to Malaysia on the cards.
"I want to do well in the NHL and play a consistent tournament, then build on that for the under-21 training camp and, hopefully, make the team for Malaysia."
Morris, who hails from the Hawea-Wanaka area, took up sport as 10-year-old when he filled in for his sister's team. He was a keen swimmer but gave it away to concentrate on his hockey when he moved to Dunedin to attend secondary school.
"I don't actually know why I do it. It is just something I enjoy doing. You meet lots of people and it's really social."
Morris' main asset is his speed and agility. His ultimate goal is to represent the Black Sticks at the Olympics.
He was inspired watching the Olympic hockey tournament but found it was a couple of Australian strikers - Jamie Dwyer and Glenn Turner - who captured his imagination the most.
"They're at the top of their game at the moment and I enjoy watching them."
Southern's build-up has been limited as there is just one other NHL team based in the South Island. The men played Canterbury in a pre-season game about a month ago and lost, but tomorrow it counts for competition points.
"We've just got to get on top of them as early as we can. We lost to them in a warm-up and we know they will come out strong," Morris said.
Southern coach Dave Ross was also feeling positive about the season.
"We gearing up for a top-four finish," he said.
"We're missing Hugo [Inglis] but we are probably, across the board, stronger this year. We go in not confident but certainly knowing what we have to do and know that if things go our way we can certainly cause some upsets."
Southern should be defensively sound, with former Black Sticks James Nation and Blair Tarrant forming a formidable duo, backed up by drag flick specialist Kane Russell.
Russell is another year older and a player on the rise.
Up front, Chris Ashton will keep defences honest and Nick Elder leads a promising midfield which includes Rob Paterson and Troy MacDonald.
Auckland shared the title with Central last year when the final was called off due to snow. Both shape as title contenders again.
Auckland has been bolstered by the arrival of Australian star Brent Livermore. He joins the likes of Black Sticks Marcus Child and Arun Panchia.
Midlands' Olympic pair, Blair Hopping and Scott Deavin (Australia), will keep teams such as Auckland and Central honest, as will a young North Harbour side which features many of the team that won this year's under-21 national title.
National Hockey League
Southern squads
Southern Men
Squad: Chris Ashton, Callum Bailey, James Bennett, Alistair Birchall, Jason Dungey, Nick Elder, Leon Hayward, Ollie Hopkinson, Troy MacDonald, Andrew Matthews, Jeremy Morris, James Nation, Rob Paterson, Kane Russell, Richard Storey, Blair Tarrant, Damien Watson, Matthew Young. Coach: David Ross.
Draw: v Canterbury, Timaru, August 18; v Capital, Dunedin, 2pm, August 19; tournament week (Auckland): v Auckland, August 25; v Midlands, August 26; v North Harbour, August 27; v Central, August 29; v Northland, August 30; playoffs, September 1; final, September 2.
Southern Storm
Squad: Eliza Brazel, Millie Cowan, Victoria Dougherty, Liz Gifford, Aimee Heaps, Alexandra Irwin, Paige Lane, Brianna Lupton, Sofie McLeod, Kelly Nicolson, Courtney Ross, Madeline Simmonds, Belinda Smith, Pip Symes, Alexandra Tully, Eloise Watson, Jamie Wiles, Monique Wilson.
Coach: Sam Brown.
Draw: v Canterbury, Timaru, August 18; v Capital, Dunedin, 12pm, August 19; tournament week (Auckland): v North Harbour, August 25; v Midlands, August 26; v Northland, August 27; v Auckland, August 29; v Central, August 30; playoffs, September 1; final, September 2.
