Defenceman Colten Gerlib Added To Eagles Roster

(Photo courtesy of amshockey.com)

The Surrey Eagles hockey club announced that defenceman Colten Gerlib has been added to their roster. The 1999-born Kamloops native is a graduate of the Valley West Hawks program, where he played last season alongside recent roster addition Josh Bruce. He posted 7 goals and 18 assists for 25 points in 40 games in 2015-16. He began this year with the Tri-City Americans, appearing in 5 games.

Multiple recent transactions opened up a spot on the roster for a defenceman. Gerlib jumped at the opportunity to come to Surrey and join the Eagles.

“We’re very excited to bring Colten in,” head coach and general manager Blaine Neufeld said in an interview with SurreyEagles.ca. “He’s exactly the type of player that we’ve targeted for a while. With some more junior experience under his belt, we think he can develop into a consistent shut-down defenceman in this league.”

Already a smooth skater and efficient puck-mover, Gerlib will work closely with assistant coaches Rick Lanz and Riley Sweeney – both former defencemen – to develop his skills in the defensive zone.

He is expected to be in the lineup on Wednesday night vs the Coquitlam Express, as the Eagles take on their Mainland Division rivals. The Eagles return home one night later, as they host the defending RBC cup champion West Kelowna Warriors. With every ticket purchase to Thursday’s game, fans will receive a free hot dog and soft drink!