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Oil Barons Oszytko commits to RIT for 2018-19 season

Last Updated Nov 6, 2017 at 5:35 pm MDT

Photo Provided by Sherwood Park Crusaders: Forward Merritt Oszytko

The newest member of the Fort McMurray Oil Barons will be heading to Rochester, New York next season to attend and play for the Rochester Institute of Technology Tigers (NCAA Div. 1).

Merritt Oszytko who was acquired last week in a trade with the Sherwood Park Crusaders becomes the third member of the Oil Barons to make their college commitment following Will Conley (Holy Cross) and Eric Szudor (Alaska-Anchorage).

“It’s pretty crazy right now with the trade and everything and it hasn’t really hit me yet but I’m sure it will in the next week or so,” said Oszytko.

The 19 year old is in his third season in the Alberta Junior Hockey League and spent his first two plus seasons in the Crusaders organization before being dealt for Ryan Cox. Oszytko is excited about the opportunity to rejoin some of his past teammates.

“I’ve heard a lot of great things about the school and I have a couple of former teammates that play there right now in Chris McKay and Ryan Kruper and they had nothing but good things to say about it and it’s just an amazing opportunity and I’m excited,” said Oszytko.

The Edmonton, Alberta native has played 116 career games in the AJHL and has 34 goals and 79 points.

“Ever since I jumped from Midget to the Alberta Junior Hockey League I’ve had nothing but good times and I’ve learned a lot from a lot of people and I’ve had nothing but good coaches and been apart of good organizations so I can’t say enough about it,” said Oszytko on how the AJHL has helped his development as a player.

Oszytko suited up for his first three games with the MOB over the weekend and scored his first goal with the MOB in his first game which coincidentally came against his former team the Crusaders.

“It was awesome. Scoring against Sherwood Park and to be in the Sherwood Park Arena and the goal horn doesn’t go off it’s a little weird but it was great to get my first one out of the way with the MOB and I’m excited for the rest of the season,” said Oszytko. “Obviously it was a little different but the team is really good so I can’t complain about that but it’s been different and I just have to get used to the systems and the way the others play but it’ll be good here.”

Oszytko now has 11 goals and 20 points through 20 games so far this season and hopes to continue his strong play on an Oil Barons team that currently sits in first place in the North Division with a 16-3-1 record.

“To win a championship and hopefully get the younger guys some more experience and hopefully they can learn something from me too but for sure to win a championship,” said Oszytko of what his focus will be on for the rest of the season.

Oszytko says he is unsure on what he will take in school at RIT but he will figure that out once all excitement sinks in.