BERKLEY, Mich. – Hunter Myers came to the Berkley Bruins midway through last season in a trade from the Traverse City Hounds and quickly fit in with the team, forming immediate bonds with teammates.

The 19-year-old goaltender from Farmington Hills, Mich., is looking to keep those bonds going strong and recently committed to play for the Bruins for the upcoming 2014-15 Midwest Junior Hockey League season.

For Myers, electing to return to the Bruins was the prototypical “no-brainer.”

“I chose to come to Berkley because it was close to home and I had carrying over friendships from the end of last year,” said Myers. “The goaltending competition is going to be very competitive this year and I expect to push and be pushed to be my best at all times.”

Berkley head coach Dan Pszenyczny said he’s expecting Myers to not only post decent numbers this coming season, but to keep improving on a daily basis.

“What I like about Hunter is that he has really good vision, can play the puck well, reads the play of other teams’ offense with ease and anticipates the puck very well,” said Pszenyczny. “He's a vocal goalie, which helps our players know if they have a guy forechecking hard or if they have time. He also has the ability to make the big saves in big time situations.”

Last season, the Bruins missed the MWJHL playoffs and are using that fact as motivation for the upcoming year.

“Nobody likes losing and it leaves a bad taste in your mouth,” said Myers. “We ended the year on a hot streak and hopefully, that will carry over to this year. The vibe is great this year. We're picking up some talent and if coaching and chemistry cooperate, I fully expect to compete for the league title this year.

“Dan is a great coach and has a good system in place. We saw steady improvement in just a few weeks with him at the helm last year and I'm looking for the same this year.”

Pszenyczny added that having Myers in the lineup on a nightly basis this year can only help the Bruins’ chances to add to their win totals and be a potential force in the MWJHL.

“Hunter is a hard-working goalie and he's always improving every time he gets on the ice,” Pszenyczny said. “He's very dedicated to getting better and stronger as a goalie. When Hunter is on his game, focused and believes in himself, he's unbeatable. I believe he will be one of the top goalies in the league this year.”

The Bruins start their second MWJHL season in Berkley on Friday, Oct. 4, with their home opener against the Monarchs. Game time is set for 4:30 p.m. at the Berkley Ice Arena.

Photo/Jeff Zigman