Going D1 is the goal of most elite American born hockey players. The route to that destination is often an easy one for the top players. Play elite hockey, play Junior Hockey and get noticed by college scouts. In the case of Adam Carlson, the '94 birth year from Edina, MN, his route was anything but easy. After never playing Varsity hockey for his high school in Edina, he played a season after high school with a few pay for play Junior teams before landing with the Coulee Region Chill in the North American Hockey League. Last year he split time with the Chill but made the radar of several Division 3 and some Division 1 programs. This year, he is one of the best Goalies in the NAHL posting gaudy numbers and has become a leader for the Chill.

On Monday, Adam spoke to Coach Rick Gotkin of Mercyhurst  and committed to play for the Lakers. Mercyhurst plays in the Atlantic Hockey Conference and are located in Erie, PA. 

YHH caught up to Adam and he was pretty excited about reaching this unlikely goal. "My head is spinning right now I am so happy," Adam told YHH. When asked how he chose the Lakers over other more prominent schools Carlson said, "Mercyhurst has everything that I wanted...a great school, an aggressive style of hockey and a great coaching staff."  The most important factor in Carlson's decision was the hockey. "The coaches, players and staff just felt like home to me..."

YHH ran a story on Adam in 2013 chronicling his ascend into Junior Hockey from the Junior Gold ranks. You can read it here.

Congratulations Adam your dedication and hard work are an inspiration to many. Best of luck at the next level.