Feature Story by Brett Bonisteel
Google the meaning of the name Chad and a result appears deriving from a Welsh name meaning ‘battle’. When Chad Merrell, a forward for the Kanata Lasers hits the ice there’s an obvious aura that takes hold, he’s all-business – battle ready.
There are guys in the Central Canada Hockey League who when watched, eyes gravitate to them, taking notice early and often. Chad is one of those players. Equipped with raw acceleration where a single stride can create a step on a defender, daylight opens up and opposing netminders have fits of anxiety. He’s clutch too.
Merrell re-joined the Lasers mid-season after testing the waters in Odessa Texas, playing with the Jackalopes of the NAHL – An American Jr. A equivalent league. Since his return he’s played 32 games, notching four game winners that have him tied for 5th in the CCHL. Most of the players surrounding him in that statistical category have played twenty more games. Chad’s burying a GWG in 12% of his starts.
Perhaps the most impressive features of the 19 year old Boca Raton Florida product don’t come from his on-ice laser like focus (I had to) but from his infectious attitude and the ear to ear smile he brings daily to the rink – despite missing a few chicklets. His positivity resonates throughout the roster and in the room.
Similar to other players from non-traditional hockey states, Merrell left home at a young age, 15, and headed north to pursue his dreams. He landed in Massachusetts to play for the AAA Boston Bandits. There simply wasn’t enough quality competition in the Sunshine State.
“I was really excited to get out,” says Merrell. Boca Raton is an hour north of Miami so I questioned his sanity on that one. Nonetheless he was pumped to head to a state where hockey is a big deal, even though not everyone immediately got on board.
“My Dad was skeptical of the move and thought I should maybe wait a year….My Mom supported me right away and vouched for the move, she did shed tears the day she dropped me off in Boston though.”
Family is first in Chad’s life, his parents Steven and Ann and Brother Austin watch every game and send texts to him, which Merrell makes a point to read in the dressing room. When asked about who his biggest influencers were, he said it’s his folks hands down.
“They drove me everywhere, they supported me financially – I’m really grateful for that.”
His time in Boston taught him how to be professional on and off the sheet, and to not be too cute or flashy – just keep it simple. This despite the fact he lived in what Chad described as a ‘frat house’ like environment. He lived with five teammates and an assistant coach.
While he gets excited for trips back to the beaches of Boca Raton – the sense of family is protruding itself in Kanata too. Merrell lives with defenceman Cameron Beaudry and recently acquired Kiryll Ulanov who oddly enough also came via Odessa. The pre-game meals are often what the trio describe as ‘Chicken Surprise’ a pasta dish where the surprise comes in the form an alfredo or tomato like sauce along with some chicken. Movie nights are accompanied by Tangy-Zangy candy – not exactly fuel for the ice, but they have fun.
There is however a bond on the team that holds stronger than any other for Chad. His best buddy, Lasers leading point scorer Luca Nocita. The two can be seen laughing and joking even in times of apparent pain. Will Brochu, who arguably has the most lethal one timer in the CCHL got every morsel of a shot on the powerplay against Pembroke and unintentionally hit Nocita on the inside of his right knee. Luca needed help off the ice at the end of the 1st and Chad provided an arm, light hearted smiles on their faces.
“He’s just an all-around good team guy” says Luca. “He’s always up for something to do”. The two got together during the off-season in Boca Raton, the Nocita’s coincidentally have had property there for more than four years.
For the time being Chad’s hyper focused on the task at hand – capturing the Bogart Cup. Kanata is set to embark on their first playoff run since 2011. Merrell has aspirations of a career in the NCAA. The man who models his game after Vancouver Canucks rookie sensation Brock Boeser has every opportunity to do so – with a toothless smile and a thirst for battle.
Writers Twitter – (@BrettBonisteel )
