Merrifield named NAHL's top rookie

The North American Hockey League announced today that St. Louis Bandits forward Mike Merrifield has been named Rookie of the Year.

Merrifield, from Beverly Hills, totaled 18 goals among 57 points in 57 regular-season games for the Bandits. He was also a plus-33, which ranked tied for third in the NAHL.

“As a coach, you beg to have players like Mike on your team,” said Bandits coach-GM Jon Cooper. “He can skate, has skill, always competes and is a team-first type of guy.”

The 18-year-old Merrifield, who has committed to Michigan State University for the 2009-10 season, also has five goals and five assists for 10 points in five Robertson Cup playoff games.

Merrifield was also named to the NAHL All-Rookie Team.

“I guarantee he has a few more Rookie of the Year awards in his future as he moves up the hockey ladder,” said Cooper.

Photo by RJ Meyer/NAHLphotos.com