From: College Hockey 247.comby Michale Spath
USA Hockey has filled 17 spots for its National Team Development Program Under-17 team for next season, including the defensemen.
CollegeHockey247.com spoke to USA Director of Player Personnel Ryan Rezmierski for his thoughts on the blue liners, including 2011 DU recruit Dakota Mermis.
Alton, Ill., defender Dakota Mermis committed to the University of Denver in early March, jumping at the chance to play two seasons with older brother Jarrod.
"Dakota is a very impressive young man," Rezmierski said. "He's a little under the radar and strength will be his biggest issue -- he's only 5-10, 165 pounds right now -- but he's another offensive-minded, puck-moving defenseman. He'll be just as good on the penalty kill as the power play because he is willing to play both ends of the rink.
"He has a big frame, and we project that he'll eventually carry 195 pounds, so he has some growth coming.
"Everybody just loves this kid. He's a leader and one of the things we noticed at our Evaluation Camp was when we put these kids through some adversity, they asked Dakota to lead. He commands that respect very quickly and his intangibles, as well as his on-ice skill, will provide him a great chance to succeed here and down the road."
CollegeHockey247.com spoke to USA Director of Player Personnel Ryan Rezmierski for his thoughts on the blue liners, including 2011 DU recruit Dakota Mermis.
Alton, Ill., defender Dakota Mermis committed to the University of Denver in early March, jumping at the chance to play two seasons with older brother Jarrod.
"Dakota is a very impressive young man," Rezmierski said. "He's a little under the radar and strength will be his biggest issue -- he's only 5-10, 165 pounds right now -- but he's another offensive-minded, puck-moving defenseman. He'll be just as good on the penalty kill as the power play because he is willing to play both ends of the rink.
"He has a big frame, and we project that he'll eventually carry 195 pounds, so he has some growth coming.
"Everybody just loves this kid. He's a leader and one of the things we noticed at our Evaluation Camp was when we put these kids through some adversity, they asked Dakota to lead. He commands that respect very quickly and his intangibles, as well as his on-ice skill, will provide him a great chance to succeed here and down the road."
1 comment:
Take a good look, CC players. This is what you have to look forward to. Blocked shot after blocked shot, body check after body check. My Gosh that has to frustrating. Here come the Paukovich Nightmares again......
Post a Comment