'Gold Line' powers Norwin hockey

"The line of Dan Merz, Timmy Palmer and Dante Youhon was nicknamed the "Gold Line" by the Norwin hockey team because of the color they wear during practice.

The trio has more than lived up to the name.

The three players combined to score 19 goals through the first five games this season, with Merz leading the way with 13 goals and 16 points, both of which led the PIHL Class AAA through Sunday. The top line has helped Norwin start 3-2 with a league-best 30 goals.

"We're pretty good friends off the ice -- we hang out together and talk all the time -- and I think that helps," Merz said.

Merz, a senior, and juniors Palmer and Youhon, also played together last season and were the top three scorers for Norwin, a Penguins Cup quarterfinalist."


(Photo: Norwin's Alex Moxie has scored four goals in five games. John Heller/Post-Gazette.)