Features > Player Spotlight- #19 Christian Merritt
Player Spotlight- #19 Christian Merritt
by Chris Bilder, Generals Staff Writer
Eugene, OR-
Chris Bilder: You played for the Orange County Hockey Club (OCHC) U16 AAA team last season. What are the differences between the level you played last year and Juniors?
Christian Merritt: It’s a lot faster in Juniors, it’s a lot more physical, and the puck moves quicker.
CB: You were offered a spot on last season’s Generals team, but decided to honor your commitment to the OCHC. Do you wish you would have signed with the Generals last season?
CM: Yes, I think I would have gotten a little more exposure here last season. I think I would have done well here, but I enjoyed my team last season. I think I would have progressed a little more here.
CB: Are you happy you signed with the Generals this season?
CM: Yes. I’m really glad I’m playing here this year. I think it’s a great opportunity for me, and I think I’ll progress here both as a hockey player and as a person.
CB: You are the leading rookie scorer for the Generals with 6 points. How does that make you feel?
CM: Its good to be at the top, but its really a team game and those are just numbers. Its always to have a little bit of individual success as well.
CB: You weren’t able to get on the board in the first two games of the season, but you have had at least one point in the last five games. What changed for you after Opening Weekend to allow you to put up so many points?
CM: I think I’ve calmed down a lot, and its allowed me to keep my head up and not force the play.
CB: You put up your highest point total of the season on Breast Cancer Awareness Night with a goal and an assist. What will you remember most about that game?
CM: I will remember wearing the pink jerseys, because I’ve never worn a pink jersey before. I’ll remember the good game the team played, the win, my shorthanded goal and the ability to support a good cause.
CB: What has been your favorite moment this season?
CM: I think the day that I signed with the Generals, because that opened up a new chapter in my life, and I think its worked well for me.
CB: What are your goals for the season?
CM: My goals are to get bigger and stronger, and to develop a new awareness on the ice. Also, to develop a certain aggressive mentality.
CB: If you could choose three words to describe yourself as a player, what would they be?
CM: Small, quick and smart.
CB: What do the Generals have to do this weekend to beat the Rogue Valley Wranglers?
CM: I think we have to come out hard, and not underestimate them. We also have to play the kind of Generals hockey we know we can.