Merchant returns to Steelheads

BOISE, Idaho – Forward Will Merchant has signed a contract for the 2021-22 season, joining the Idaho Steelheads for a fifth season.Merchant, 27, skated in 61 games for the Steelheads during the 2019-20 season, tallying 36 points (18g-18a) with 49 penalty minutes, a +9 rating and five power-play goals, ranking in the top-four in all major scoring categories. The Eagan, Minnesota product has played in Idaho during all four of his professional seasons with a 57-game stint during the 2018-19 season in Greenville, posting 159 points (70g-89a) through 270 games with 148 penalty minutes since his debut during the 2016-17 in Idaho. He owns at least 14 goals and 30 points in all four seasons.Prior to his professional career, Merchant played four seasons with the University of Maine, posting 39 points (22g-17a) in 136 career games, including 22 points (13g-9a) in 36 games during his senior campaign in 2015-16 while serving as an alternate captain that season. He was a three-time Hockey East All-Academic selection and two-time Maine Scholar Athlete award winner.