RoadRunners Goalie Commits To RPI
Published on February 15, 2009 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Topeka Pilots News Release
TOPEKA, KS, FEB 15, 2009: It has been a foregone conclusion that Topeka RoadRunners veteran netminder Bryce Merriam would land in a Division I college hockey program, the only question was where. That question was answered when the 21-yr old from Bethel Park, PA accepted an offer to play for Rennselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY beginning next season.
Bryce Merriam's junior hockey career began in Youngstown, OH with the Mahoning Valley Phantoms. He was traded to the Santa Fe RoadRunners early in the 2006-07 season, where he played in 17 games, going 11-5-0 with 2 shutouts. The following season, as the team relocated to Topeka, KS, Merriam shouldered the load, going 26-11-7 as the RoadRunners won the NAHL South Division and advanced to the Robertson Cup Tournament for the first time. With his collegiate future now in place, he feels even more focused on his current goals. "This eliminates the only distraction I was currently faced with in pursuit of winning the Robertson Cup. With this out of the way I can put all of my focus into raising that cup and another banner in our rink", Merriam stated.
The 6'3" 190 lb. netminder, who also considered offers from schools in the WCHA, CCHA, and AHA said the decision to go to RPI (in the ECAC) was influenced during his recent visit. "The players and coaching staff were tremendous and the educational opportunity they will provide me with for my future is outstanding."
Merriam's career numbers at the time of his signing show why he was coveted by a number of Division I programs. Including postseason appearances, he has a 77-33-10 record, a 2.54 GAA and a save pct. of .900. He has also posted 12 career shutouts, including 1 in the postseason. He was named the NAHL's Goalie Of The Month in January 2009, and was selected to play in the NAHL Top Prospects Tournament in Ann Arbor, where his play helped close the deal with RPI.
Bryce attributes a great deal of his success to the support of his family. "I would like to thank my Mom, Dad, and sister Stephanie for all of their support over the last 17 years." He went on to credit the support of the RoadRunners organization. "I would not currently be in this position if it were not for owner Mary Magdalene Lorang's passion and dedication for this organization. Other than my family, Mary has been the most supportive person both on and off the ice during my junior career. Also, Coach Scott Langer has invested a lot of time in me, believed in my abilities, and has given me the opportunity to develop my talents to play at the next level. Coach Langer has developed this franchise into one of the premier junior hockey programs and I am proud to be a part of it."
Always one to share credit, Merriam is also cognizant of the contributions from his teammates. "Over the last several years I have had an amazing opportunity to be on quality teams and that has given me the chance to get to this position."
RoadRunners head coach Scott Langer was pleased with the news. "Bryce has always been the type of person who is very thorough, and I knew he would ultimately make the best decision for his situation and his goals". He added, "Bryce is a winner on the ice, and a quality person off the ice. He'll do well with RPI".
Merriam and the rest of the RoadRunners are in the midst of a 2-week break, and return to the ice on Feb.26 when they kick off a 6 game homestand at Landon Arena. For the latest RoadRunner news, please visit www.topekaroadrunners.com.
North American Hockey League Stories from February 15, 2009
- U.S. U17 Team Blanks Motor City, 8-0 - U.S. National Team
- U.S. Nat'l U18 Team Tops Colo. Coll., 3-2 - U.S. National Team
- RoadRunners Goalie Commits To RPI - Topeka Pilots
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.
