It was a big weekend for Mercyhurst on the recruiting trail. The Lakers added former Arizona State forward Carson Briere earlier in the weekend and then added a potential future goalie in Matt Lenz on Sunday.
Lenz heads to Mercyhurst from the Steinbach Pistons in the MJHL. Lenz will have the opportunity to earn playing time right away due to the Lakers graduating two goalies, including primary starter Garrett Metcalf.
In 38 games this season the well-traveled netminder has a .922 save percentage and a 2.13 GAA.
“One thing you will find out very quick about Lenz is that he is a gamer and brings an unmatched compete level to the crease along with his consistent play,” NZ scouts said. “Lenz is average in size standing at about 5’11 but is lightning quick, has an excellent stick and he anticipates the play with ease at this level. Lenz has good technique but has the athleticism and desperation to make those remarkable saves look easy.”
’99 Forward Carter Elrod to Johnson and Wales (2020)
Elrod is a Michigan native who has spent the last two seasons in the EHL with the East Coast Wizards, playing under Freddy Meyer. This season he has 19 points (11g, 8a) in 46 games and had 26 points in 38 games last season.
Prior to heading east and joining the Wizards, Elrod played at Detroit Country Day School, where he had 55 points in 58 games over three varsity seasons.
’99 Forward Justin Renzi to New England College (2020)
The Michigan native is having a superb season with the Metro Jets in the USPHL this season, where he has scored 48 points (17g, 31a) in 36 games.
Renzi played with the Jets and a pair of CCHL franchises last season and prior to his junior career he suited up for Belle Tire and Compuware.
“He plays a detailed 200-foot game and does all the little things like supporting the puck, showing his stick for breakouts and winning small battles along the boards to get pucks out of his end,” our scouts said. “He’s a competitor, he can pressure opposing defenders with his skating and made smart passes.”
’00 Forward Max Moriarty to Framingham State (2020)
Moriarty is a Mass. native (East Longmeadow), hailing from the same hometown as NHL’er Frank Vatrano. A six-foot forward, he has 49 points in 41 games for Springfield (USPHL) this season.
Moriarty has come up through the Jr. Pics program, playing for the organization’s 16U, 18U, and USPHL teams.
“The late-2000 is a big, strong forward who has shown the ability to get to the net with jam in the crease,” scouts said. “His skating is balanced and he can play through contact. We like his ability to create chaos near the net and that he has the vision to dish the puck as he gains attention. Gritty player who can make plays.”
’99 Forward Andrew Miller to Framingham State (2020)
Framingham State wasn’t done after adding Moriarity, as the Rams also picked up this Worcester Jr. Railers (EHL) forward who had 22 points in 39 games this season.
A native of Waltham, Mass., Miller played for Waltham High, where he had 21 goals as a senior in 2018.
’99 Defenseman John Jammers to Franklin Pierce (2020)
An Islanders Hockey Club defenseman, Jammers heads to FPU after a 23-point season in the NCDC. Prior to the Islanders, the 6-foot-3 blueliner played for St. George’s for three seasons.
“John is tall and has the ability to clog lanes and protect his net,” scouts said. “Had a solid year of junior, where he developed his play with the puck. Quick release and he has upside as a 1999.”
’99 Forward Jackson Dobek to Franklin Pierce (2020)
The Ravens also picked up Dobek, a Natick, Mass. native who had 33 points in 46 games for Team Maryland in the EHL this season.
Dobek will be considered a transfer. He appeared in 21 games for Anna Maria College in 2018-19, scoring seven points.
Dobek previously played at Catholic Memorial and Bridgton Academy in Maine.
’99 Forward Zach Tarantino to UMass Dartmouth (2020)
A hard-nosed New Jersey native, Tarantino had 51 points in 40 games for the New Jersey 87’s this season in the EHL.
Tarantino finished his EHL career with 97 points (40g, 57a) in 82 games. He joined the EHL after completely dominating the USPHL-Elite division in 2018 for the New Jersey Rockets, where he had 76 points in just 27 games.
