Merriam named Goalie of the Month

The North American Hockey League announced today that Topeka RoadRunners goaltender Bryce Merriam has been named the NAHL/GDI Goaltender of the Month for December.

In eight appearances, the 21-year-old from Pittsburgh fashioned a 5-0-2 record, including a 30-save shutout performance against Alaska on Dec. 13, to compliment a 1.75 goals-against average and a .937 save percentage.

“Bryce’s dedication and hard work is paying off for him,” said RoadRunners head coach Scott Langer.  “He’s been consistent in giving us an opportunity to win every night, and the college program that lands him will be very fortunate to have athlete with such a high-end character and work ethic.”
 
Now in his fourth NAHL season, Merriam, who started his junior career with the Mahoning Valley Phantoms, helped the RoadRunners to their first ever Robertson Cup Championship Tournament appearance last year.

Merriam holds a 13-1-3 record after 18 appearances this season, including three shutouts, and leads all NAHL goaltenders with a 1.61 goals-against average and a .936 save percentage.

“My team has been unbelievable to play with this season, especially with the majority of our games being on the road in the first half,” said Merriam.  “They’re really talented and hard-working in the defensive zone. The coaches have created a well-rounded team that I’m fortunate to have the opportunity to play with.”
 
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GDI provides a completely unique, world-class development experience for ice hockey goaltenders of all skill levels. Its revolutionary, comprehensive and integrated approach combines regional and national training camps, private instruction, conditioning programs, mentorship, customized gear, the publication of The Goalie News, the GDIadvantage online training resource and Satellite Training Centers to develop netminders that go into every fight knowing they’re the best they can be. Targeted at goalies age eight to 18, GDI’s experienced coaching staff, led by NHL consultant and GDI founder Ian Clark, has coached more than 100 goaltenders playing in the NHL, Minor Pro, Major Junior and NCAA Division I levels of hockey. GDI is based in Dallas. For more information about GDI, please visit gdihockey.com.

The North American Hockey League, the only USA Hockey-sanctioned Tier II league boasting 19 teams from across the country, including the esteemed USA Hockey National Team Development Program, prides itself on the social maturity and skill development of student-athletes ages 16-20 with aspirations of advancing to collegiate and/or professional hockey.