Merchant signs PTO with Texas Stars

Boise, ID (4/1/17) –Steelheads Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Neil Graham confirmed on Saturday afternoon that rookie forward Will Merchant has been signed to a professional tryout agreement (PTO) by the American Hockey League’s Texas Stars.

Merchant, 23, has played 66 games with the Steelheads this season. His 21 goals rank second on the Steelheads’ roster, while his 48 points rank ninth among all ECHL rookies. Merchant has been among the ECHL’s best power play producers, his 12 goals on the man-advantage leading the Steelheads and ranking fifth in the ECHL.

Merchant has three goal and seven points in his last nine games for Idaho.

The Eagan, Minnesota native played four seasons of college hockey at the University of Maine prior to joining the Steelheads. In 136 college games, Merchant totaled 22 goals and 39 points.

This is Merchant’s first call to the AHL in his career. He becomes the seventh Steelhead this season playing under ECHL contract to earn a PTO in the AHL. Defensemen Aaron Harstad and Joe Faust and forwards Travis Ewanyk and Bryce Van Brabant have all signed PTOs with the Stars this season, while forward Kellan Lain and goaltender Branden Komm spent time with AHL Bakersfield.