NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TX – Martin Mellberg announced his commitment to American International College (AIC) on Tuesday, becoming the 13th member of the 2015-16 season to make a college advancement.
This past season Mellberg played in all 60 games for the team, one of only three members to do so. Over that span he compiled 16 goals and 26 assists for a total of 42 points. The campaign was his first in North America after spending four years with the Timra program in Sweden.
“I believe AIC is a good fit for me. They are doing a lot to enhance their hockey program and their new head coach, Eric Lang, believes in me and sees me as an important piece of what they are trying to build,” Mellberg said.
Brahmas Head Coach Dan Wildfong echoed the thoughts of his newest commit saying, “I think it’s a great opportunity for Marty. Obviously they gave him a good package and I think it’s a tremendous fit for both parties.”
As prefaced, Mellberg will be a part of the first campaign under the newly named head coach of the Yellow Jackets. Lang, an AIC alumni himself, is taking over after Gary Wright stepped down from the program after 32 years.
American International College is located in Springfield, Massachusetts but before the Brahmas former #10 relocates, he spoke high praise of the North American Hockey League and how it helped him get to the Atlantic Hockey conference.
“The North American Hockey League is a good place to play because it gets a lot of exposure to college scouts. I knew throughout the whole season that schools were watching me and my teammates every single week.”
“[AIC] is in the middle of revamping their program and I think Martin is going to be a perfect example of what they want their identity to be moving forward. He’s going to go there and be a huge asset right off the bat. I’m thrilled for him,” Wildfong continued on the situation.
The Swedish forward turns 21 on July 6th and is eager to get started with his new journey in the fall.
“It feels really good to be able to go to school again. It may sound weird but I’m looking forward to start studying. Furthermore, I’m looking forward to seeing how much more I can develop as a hockey player,” the import forward concluded with.
With 13 Division I college commitments, the Brahmas are now second in the North American Hockey League in that category.