Rockets Merkley Turning Heads at World U-17 Challenge
Published on January 1, 2014 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Kelowna Rockets News Release
During the first half of the Western Hockey League season, Kelowna Rockets fans have gotten used to seeing special plays out of 16-year-old forward Nick Merkley.
The Rockets first round bantam draft pick in 2012 sits seventh in Rockets team scoring with 28 points in 33 games to start the season.
His vision, competitiveness and drive have been on display since the Calgary native made his debut in last year's playoffs as a 15-year-old.
So it comes as no surprise that Merkley is showing the same flash as a member of Team Pacific at the 2014 World Under-17 Challenge in Cape Breton, New Brunswick.
The International Scouting Services has selected three players from each of the six teams competing in the tournament as future players to watch and Merkley wasn't left out of the rankings.
He was one of Team Pacific's top three players accoring to the ISS, which had this to say about the dynamic forward: "productive two-way forward ... creates scoring opportunities ... excellent work ethic ... great edge use ... anticipates the play ... plays in all situations."
Fellow Kelowna Rockets rookie Joe Gatenby is also on Team Pacific while Rockets assistant coach Dan Lambert is the head coach of Team West.
The World Under-17 Challenge continues though Jan. 4 when the medal games will be played.
Western Hockey League Stories from January 1, 2014
- Scoreless Deadlock Ends in Shootout Loss - Everett Silvertips
- Royals Trump Silvertips in Shootout - Victoria Royals
- Broncos and Blades Make Deal - Swift Current Broncos
- Lethbridge Takes Down Pats 6-3 - Regina Pats
- Blades Swing Deal with Swift Current - Saskatoon Blades
- Rockets Merkley Turning Heads at World U-17 Challenge - Kelowna Rockets
- Game Day Preview: Pats vs. Lethbridge - Regina Pats
- Americans Conclude 2013 with 4-2 Loss against Chiefs - Tri-City Americans
- Hawks Fall 9-3 to Kelowna on New Year's Eve - Portland Winterhawks
- Blazers Burn T-Birds - Seattle Thunderbirds
- Blazers Blast Tbirds 7-1 on New Year's Eve - Kamloops Blazers
- Royals Slip Past Silvertips in Final Minute - Everett Silvertips
- Royals Hold off Silvertips - Victoria Royals
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