Story by Tri-City Communication
The Tri-City Storm has announced a transaction the organization has completed with the Omaha Lancers. The Storm has acquired a 3rd Round draft pick in the 2025 USHL Phase II Draft from the Lancers in exchange for defenseman Samo Meritähti, and a 10th Round draft pick in the 2025 USHL Phase II Draft.
Samo Meritähti, 20, Defenseman, of Seinäjoki, Finland, was selected 288th overall by the Storm in the 19th Round of the 2022 USHL Phase II Draft. He made his debut for the organization on Thursday, September 22nd, 2022, in the Storm’s 4-1 win over the Madison Capitols at the 2022 DICK’S Sporting Goods USHL Fall Classic. Meritähti netted his first career goal for the Storm on Saturday, December 17th, 2022, in Tri-City’s 5-2 home win over the Lincoln Stars at the Viaero Center. He scored the game-winning goal for the Storm on Saturday, March 4th, 2023, in Tri-City’s 7-1 home victory over the Sioux Falls Stampede. Meritähti skated in all four of the Storm’s games during the team’s run in the 2023 Clark Cup Playoffs. He appeared in four of Tri-City’s six games played to this point in the 2023-2024 regular season. Meritähti scored three goals, and notched four assists, for seven total points in sixty-one career regular season games with the Storm. He previously announced a commitment to play college hockey in the future for Providence College.
“Samo has been a great teammate and worked extremely hard since arriving here. We wish him the best in Omaha. This trade gives him a good opportunity, while also allowing us to acquire future assets.” – President of Hockey Operations/Head Coach Anthony Noreen
“With our current group of defensemen, we've been very happy with our returners and our new additions. The return of Samo this fall was not expected, and in order to accommodate him, and provide more of an opportunity to play meaningful minutes, we made this transaction with the Lancers. The move also opens up more ice and opportunity for some of our new guys who we are excited to see perform and achieve success here. Samo was a great player and teammate during his time with us and we wish him all the best with his new club moving forward.”- General Manager Jason Koehler