Steelheads add NCAA standouts Merchant and Glen

Boise, ID (8/4/16) – Steelheads Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Neil Graham announced on Thursday that the Idaho Steelheads have agreed to terms on ECHL contracts with two leaders from the college ranks, adding forward Will Merchant from the University of Maine and forward David Glen from Penn State University.

Glen served as captain last season with the Nittany Lions, while Merchant was an assistant captain with the Black Bears.

Merchant, 22, played 136 games over four seasons at Maine, scoring 22 goals and 39 points. The 6-foot-1 Eagan, Minnesota native had a career offensive season in his senior year. Merchant set career-highs with a team-leading 13 goals to go along with nine assists. Merchant more than doubled his previous career high in points, finishing the 2015-16 season with 22 points in 36 games, ranking second on the team.

“Will is a big strong skater who plays with a lot of speed and possesses a very good shot and release,” said Graham.

Glen, 25, played four seasons at Penn State and was also assistant captain during his junior season. In 122 college games, the 6-foot-1 native of Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta tallied 29 goals and 69 points. His 69 points rank fourth in Penn State’s four-year history as a Division I program. He finished with a career-high in assists last season, his 17 ranking second on the team.

“David Glen plays with a lot of energy and grit,” said Graham. “He is a natural leader and goes to the dirty areas to get his points.”

“We’re extremely excited to have both of these players join our team, and we expect them both to make an immediate impact on our roster.”

Merchant and Glen become the first rookie players to agree to terms with Idaho for the 2016-17 season. The Steelheads have already agreed to terms with goaltender Branden Komm, defenseman Zach Bell, and forwards Jefferson Dahl and Kyle Jean. All were members of last season’s roster.