Aaron Merrick sure knows how to make up for lost time.
After missing nearly the first month of the season with a concussion, the 20year-old sniper finds himself as the top goal scorer in the Pacific International Junior Hockey League thanks to a sizzling December.
Merrick has 12 goals in his last six games, including a hat trick in Sunday's 5-0 win over the Grandview Steelers. He now 25 goals in just 24 games and is well on his way to eclipsing his career best total of 29, established last season.
The Ice Hawks took control against the Steelers with three unanswered goals in the second period, including a pair in 33 seconds. Merrick notched his second of the game, on the power play, and affiliate Jordan Rendle then scored his first-ever PIJHL goal.
Merrick completed his hat trick in the late stages of the third period on a set-up from PIJHL scoring leader Mak Barden - his third assist of the game.
Anthony Brito notched two helpers, while Ryan Cuthbert had a goal and an assist. The veteran blueliner has been a key presence in the line-up since returning from injury.
Alex Anhert made 19 saves for his third shutout of the season.
With the Ladner Leisure Centre not available due to holiday minor hockey, the Ice Hawks will play the Steelers again tonight in a "home" game at Kerrisdale Arena. They will be hoping for similar success to the previous time they played in the city arena - game seven of last season's opening round series against the North Delta Devils.
The Hawks will then be idle until Jan. 5 when they visit the North Delta Devils at Sungod Arena.
