Texas Brahmas sign defenseman Derek Merlini
Former Port Huron Icehawk adds size, toughness to roster
For those of you who wanted to see some size on the roster, meet Derek Merlini, the 11th player signed by the Texas Brahmas to the 2009-10 roster. The 6' 6", 245 pound defenseman from Clinton Township, Michigan played with the Port Huron Icehawks (IHL) last season alongside forward Jamie Carroll, who was added to the Brahmas roster last month.
Merlini, 24, spent 2 1/2 seasons (2003-04 to 2005-06) with the Erie Otters (OHL), tallying 48 points (12 G, 36 A) and 240 penalty minutes in 152 games played. In 2004, Merlini was invited to attend the Phoenix Coyotes (NHL) rookie camp.
He had two playoff runs with the Otters. In 2003–04, the Otters defeated the Sarnia Sting four games to one in the conference quarter-finals but were swept by the London Knights in the conference semi-finals. Merlini notched seven points (1 G, 6 A) in nine games played. In 2004–05, the Otters lost to the Kitchener Rangers four games to two in the conference quarter-finals. Merlini had one assist in six games played.
He finished the 2005-06 season with the Plymouth Whalers (OHL) where he added seven points (2 G, 5 A) and 90 penalty minutes in 34 games played. In the playoffs, the Whalers defeated the Windsor Spitfires four games to three in the conference quarter-finals before losing to the Guelph Storm four games to two in the conference semi-finals. Merlini had two assists in 13 games post-season games played.
The following season, Merlini joined the University of Windsor Lancers (CIS) hockey team where he had four points (2 G, 2 A) and 18 penalty minutes in nine games played. He had limited playing time in 10 games the following season.
In January of 2008, Merlini joined the Port Huron Icehawks (IHL) as a defenseman and finished the campaign with five points (2 G, 3 A, +5), including a power play goal in 43 regular-season games. He also had one assist in eight playoff games.
Last season, Merlini notched a career best 30 points (9 G, 21 A) and 114 penalty minutes in 73 games played. He added an assist in six games played during the post-season. Merlini was named to the IHL's All Rookie Team after finishing the season with a campaign with a +29 rating, which ranked him first among rookies and tied for second in the league in plus/minus. He was also named IHL Rookie of the Week in Weeks 13 and 22.
"This is a great signing for us this off season," Wildfong said. "We obviously were looking for some size, and I believe Derek will be just the player for us to use his size, strength and skill to his advantage."
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