Sports stats

Merl Joins Thunder Commitment List

November 9, 2015 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Bloomington Thunder News Release


Steven Merl of the Bloomington Thunder
Steven Merl of the Bloomington Thunder
(Bloomington Thunder)

BLOOMINGTON, Illinois - Steven Merl (University of Michigan) announced Monday morning that he will be attending the University of Michigan to play college hockey after his time in the United States Hockey League. Merl becomes the second Thunder player to announce his commitment this season and joins the list of 33 other players and alumni to acquire a connection with a Division I institution. The Bloomfield, MI native released the information saying,

"Extremely honored to announce my commitment to The University of Michigan! Thanks to everyone who made it possible! Go Blue!" - @Stevieweve via Twitter.com.

"I've been talking to Michigan since my senior year of high school. It's always been a dream school of mine and at the top of my list of where I want to be," said the Thunder forward.

"Coach Williams and the rest of the (Thunder) staff have been amazing for me to work with over the last year. I can't thank everyone else enough for helping me get here. It means the world to me and I'm really excited."

Merl, 19, was acquired by the Thunder on Feb. 25, 2015 as part of a trade with the Muskegon Lumberjacks. The 6-foot-3 forward has played in 23 games for Bloomington since 2014 scoring three goals and three assists in his tenure. Overall in the USHL, Merl has played in 56 games and totaled 13 points (6g, 7a).

When asked about what made the Wolverines the perfect fit, Merl said, "Living in Michigan for the last three or four years, you see that everywhere you go, it is a big family. The atmosphere at Yost arena and the history there is unbelievable. I'm really excited to work with the coaching staff and the other recruits coming in as well."

Playing his youth hockey with Belle Tire in the Tier I Elite Hockey League, Merl and Thunder captain Jake Slaker (St. Lawrence University) were teammates during the '13-14 season. Prior to playing with Belle Tire, Merl suited up with the Cleveland Barons organization from '09-12.

Steven joins current teammate, goaltender Hayden Lavigne (University of Michigan), in his commitment to the Wolverines.

The University of Michigan currently houses 20 USHL alumni rostered with their program including Youngstown Phantoms alum and reigning Player of the Year Kyle Connor (University of Michigan). Also with the Wolverines are Cooper Marody (University of Michigan) and Joseph Cecconi (University of Michigan) who are former teammates of Merl's from Muskegon.

Merl and the Thunder hit the road on Friday to take on Waterloo before heading to Green Bay Saturday. The team is on a six-game point streak, going 3-0-3 over the stretch. Bloomington currently stands tied for second in the Eastern Conference with a 6-5-3 record to start the season.

NEXT HOME GAME: Saturday, November 21st - 7 p.m. - The Thunder will wear specialty jerseys to benefit the Children's Discovery Museum when they take on the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders. Tickets can be purchased in the corner section for $13 and two dollars from each ticket will benefit the Children's Discovery Museum. The game will feature Superhero's at the game and the Saturday food special with BOGO hot dogs. Call the Thunder for tickets at (309) 434-2980 or visit Bloomingtonthunder.com.

Season and Partial Ticket Plans: The 2015-16 season has begun, but we can still reserve your seat for every Bloomington Thunder game at the U.S. Cellular Coliseum. You'll have a chance to win a pair of Chicago Blackhawks regular season tickets during the season along with other great promotions if you get season tickets.

Can't make it to every game? Check out 20 and 10-game ticket plans starting at only $100. Make it a voucher pack and get all the same benefits with more flexibility.




Images from this story

Steven Merl of the Bloomington Thunder
Steven Merl of the Bloomington Thunder
   



United States Hockey League Stories from November 9, 2015


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Bloomington Thunder Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central