Mermis Named Roadrunners 2017-18 IOA / American Specialty Man of the Year

March 29, 2018 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Tucson Roadrunners News Release

TUCSON, AZ - The Tucson Roadrunners are proud to announce that Dakota Mermis has been named the team's winner of the IOA / American Specialty Man of the Year award for his outstanding contributions to the Tucson community during the 2017-18 season.

Mermis, a second-year member of the Tucson organization, has grown to become a popular player for the franchise and is known for his quality character towards fans. An active volunteer for fan events, community appearances and displaying a kind demeanor with season ticket holders, the native of Alton, IL embodies all the attributes of an exemplary player for the franchise.

"As valuable and passionate as Dakota is on the ice, his leadership and caring for others off the ice is equally impressive," Roadrunners captain Andrew Campbell said of Mermis. "We've grown close throughout the season and I can't say enough good things about his character and the example he sets for our group."

Mermis is now one of the 30 finalists for the AHL's 2017-18 Yanick Dupre Memorial Award, honoring the overall IOA / American Specialty Man of the Year. The league award is named after the former Hershey Bears forward and AHL All-Star who died in 1997 following a 16-month battle with leukemia. The winner of the Yanick Dupre Memorial Award will be announced by the American Hockey League at a later date.

For more information on the club, visit the team's offices at 175 W. Broadway Blvd. in Tucson.

Dakota Mermis of the Tucson Roadrunners (Chris Hook / Tucson Roadrunners)

Dakota Mermis of the Tucson Roadrunners (Chris Hook / Tucson Roadrunners)

Dakota Mermis of the Tucson Roadrunners (Chris Hook / Tucson Roadrunners)

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