Thunderbirds’ Gerlach decides on Medicine Hat
Max Gerlach, who played for the Colorado Thunderbirds’ 16U AAA National team last season, will suit up for the Medicine Hat Tigers in 2015-16.
Originally committed to play his NCAA Division I hockey at the University of North Dakota, the 17-year-old forward was a sixth-round Bantam Draft pick of the Western Hockey League club in 2013 (120th overall).
“We’re thrilled that Max has decided to join our program,” said Tigers head coach and general manager Shaun Clouston.
Last season, Gerlach recorded 42 points in 21 games with the Thunderbirds, including 24 goals.
Gerlach, from Flower Mound, Texas, also represented the U.S. at the 2014 Under-17 Five Nations Tournament, which was held in Germany. There, he tallied four points in four games.
“Max has a good feel for the game and possesses a dynamic skill set,” said Tigers senior director of player development Darren Kruger.
“We look forward to Max joining our team in August and welcome him and his family to our organization,” added Clouston.
In 2007, Gerlach was the focus of the hockey world when he made ESPN SportsCenter’s top 10 after making an incredible breakaway move at the young age of 9 during an NHL game in Dallas.
Watch the video here.