The Chilliwack Chiefs will have a Nova Scotia native in the lineup next season.
Arlo Merritt, a six-foot-three and 200 pound forward has signed on for the 2019-20 campaign, bringing size and scoring.
Merritt, who hails from Halifax, suited up last season for the Kimball Union Academy in Meriden, New Hampshire.
Merritt tallied 19 goals and 30 points in 36 games for the Wildcats and the Chiefs describe him as ‘a very dependable player on both sides of the puck.’
Merritt also played four games for the USHL’s Lincoln Stars.
“Arlo is a player we have been scouting for quite some time and also happens to have family in the Chilliwack area,” said Chiefs head coach and general manager Brian Maloney. “He will be a great addition to our forward group as he adds size, strength and plays a mature two-way game that will serve him well in the BCHL.”
Merritt comes to town with an NCAA commitment already in hand.
He’s due to join the Ohio State Buckeyes in 2020-21.
There’s also a chance the 18 year old may be drafted by a pro hockey team later this month.
Merritt is ranked 144th overall among North American skaters by the National Hockey League’s Central Scouting Bureau heading into the entry draft that takes place June 21-22 in Vancouver.
Merritt and his new Chiefs teammates will report to Chilliwack for training camp in late August.
