Tigers’ Gerlach to represent USA at world junior Summer Showcase
Max Gerlach may have gone overlooked at last year’s NHL entry draft, but the 19-year-old Texan has caught his country’s eye.
The Medicine Hat Tigers forward was recently named as one of just three Western Hockey League players invited to represent USA Hockey at the World Junior Summer Showcase in July, with a chance at making the IIHF World Junior Championship roster.
“To wear those colours is an amazing honour and it’s going to be a really cool experience for sure,” said Gerlach. “My best buddy Troy Terry was in (the world juniors) and he was obviously a big part of the U.S. winning in the shootout and everything.”
Gerlach quickly made a name for himself in the Gas City, netting 30 goals in his rookie season before adding 34 more and 62 points this year. One of Gerlach’s biggest improvements however, came in the plus-minus department — where he turned a minus-27 into a plus-6.
The 5-foot-9, 175-pound sniper says he’s been balancing his time in the offseason between socializing and training, but he’s looking forward to filling his summer with the showcase in Plymouth, Mich., from July 28 to Aug. 5.
“I’m seeing results in the gym and I’m really feeling good,” he said. “I’m light and quick and I’m ready to get things going, that’s for sure.”
Gerlach will likely have the chance to face off against Tiger teammates Mason Shaw and David Quenneville, who will represent Team Canada at the Summer Showcase. And with any luck, they’ll bring the border battle into the Tigers’ dressing room this winter.
“It’s going to be a really cool experience for all three of us,” he said. “I think we get to play each other even here in the showcase so that’s going to be pretty cool too.”
With any luck, Gerlach will receive another invitation soon. The young free agent attended development camp with the Dallas Stars last summer, and says is hoping to get another offer somewhere in the coming days.
“I’ve heard some things beforehand but nothing is set in stone,” he said. “Hopefully next week I’ll hear something and have a little bit more on my schedule.”