As a sophomore, he produced more than a point-per-game pace, helping the Fighting Sioux win their first WIHL championship (tied) as well as qualify for their first NCAA tournament.
Although the WIHL collapsed that summer, the University of North Dakota (UND) qualified for the 1959 NCAA tournament with an 18–10–1 record, having defeated Denver during the season series.
The Fighting Sioux escaped an ignominious fate with an overtime win over St. Lawrence in the semi-final, before turning their attention to Michigan State in the final.
Just over four minutes into extra time, Morelli sent the puck past a sprawling Joe Selinger to win UND the NCAA Championship.
He was inducted into the UND Athletic Hall of Fame in 1977,[6] and saw both his son Matt and grandson Mason play collegiate ice hockey.