Michigan Announces Seven NLI Signings for 2016-17
11/24/2015 12:00:00 AM | Ice Hockey
Nov. 24, 2015
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The University of Michigan ice hockey team has announced the signing of seven players to National Letters of Intent for the 2016-17 season. Forwards Will Lockwood (Bloomfield Hills, Mich.), Steven Merl (Coral Springs, Fla.), Nick Pastujov (Bradenton, Fla.) and James Sanchez (Northbrook, Ill.) join defensemen Griffin Luce (Williamsville, N.Y.), Luke Martin (St. Louis, Mo.) and Christian Meike (Arlington, Va.) to round out the 2016-17 freshman class at the conclusion of the early signing period.
"You're always recruiting based on your needs, and we feel strongly that we've added the right pieces and most importantly the right kind of kids," said associate head coach Billy Powers. "Our current freshman class has stepped in and had an impact on our team, and a big part of it is their character. We feel like we've found a group to come in next year with similar qualities. You're going to see the right kind of kids, and that is going to help our program."
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Will Lockwood: A 5'11", 172-pound forward ... Currently playing with the United States National Team Development Program (USNTDP) Under-18 team ... Through 20 games, sixth on the team in scoring, notching seven goals and six assists ... Named a "C" skater on the NHL Central Scouting Preliminary 2016 Players To Watch list ... Competed in the 2015 CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game ... Recorded 21 points (14 goals, seven assists) in 53 games with the USNTDP U-17 team in 2014-15 ... Son of former Wolverine Joe Lockwood '88, who was part of head coach Red Berenson's first four-year class at Michigan ... Joe Lockwood, a forward, notched 69 points (36 goals, 33 assists) in 147 games at Michigan.
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Griffin Luce: A 6'3", 214-pound defenseman ... Currently playing with the United States National Team Development Program (USNTDP) Under-18 team ... Has recorded a goal and two assists, playing in all 20 games so far this season ... Named a "B" skater on the NHL Central Scouting Preliminary 2016 Players to Watch list ... Competed in the 2015 CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game ... Recorded two assists in 37 games played with the USNTDP U-17 team in 2014-15. Father Scott Luce is Director of Player Personnel for the Florida Panthers.
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Luke Martin: A 6'2", 201-pound defenseman ... Currently playing with the United States National Team Development Program (USNTDP) Under-18 team ... Has recorded a goal and six assists, playing in all 20 games so far this season ... Eligible for 2017 NHL Draft ... Recorded two goals and 11 assists in 52 games played with the USNTDP U-17 team in 2014-15.
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Christian Meike: A 6'0", 172-pound defenseman ... Currently playing with the Sioux City Musketeers of the United States Hockey League (USHL) ... Has recorded goal, two assists in 10 games played so far this season ... Missed significant time in 2014-15 due to injury ... Also played for Skipjacks Hockey Club of United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL) last season, notching seven points (2G, 5A) in 10 games, and appearing in four playoff contests.
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Steven Merl: A 6'3", 200-pound forward ... Currently playing with the Bloomington Thunder of the United States Hockey League ... In 15 games with Bloomington this season, has notched a goal and two assists, playing primarily at center ... Split time with Bloomington and the Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL) in 2014-15 ... Was acquired by Bloomington from Muskegon in a trade on Feb. 25, 2015 ... In 42 total games last season, notched five goals and five assists ... Played for Belle Tire Midget Major U18 team in 2013-14.
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Nick Pastujov: A 6'0", 199-pound forward ... Currently playing with the United States National Team Development Program (USNTDP) Under-18 team ... In 20 games, has recorded two goals and three assists ... Named a "C" skater on the NHL Central Scouting Preliminary 2016 Players to Watch list ... Competed in the 2015 CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game ... Recorded 30 points (13 goals, 17 assists) in 45 games with the USNTDP U-18 team in 2014-15, finishing fourth on the team in scoring.
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James Sanchez: A 6'1", 184-pound forward ... Currently playing with the United States National Team Development Program (USNTDP) Under-18 team ... In 20 games, has recorded two goals and two assists ... Named a "C" skater on the NHL Central Scouting Preliminary 2016 Players to Watch list ... Competed in the 2015 CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game ... Recorded 13 points (six goals, seven assists) in 52 games with the USNTDP U-18 team in 2014-15.
Communications Contact: Jeffrey Weinstein
