Cruz Pavao commits to Merrimack College
Kennewick, WA. – The Tri-City Americans are proud to announce that 2008-born forward Cruz Pavao has committed to play NCAA Division 1 Hockey at Merrimack College.
Pavao, from Calgary, Alberta, is entering his third season with the Americans after being drafted 13th overall in the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft. He made a strong first impression on Americans fans by scoring the game-winning goal in each of his first two WHL games as a 15-year-old affiliate player during the 2023-24 season.
In his rookie campaign in 2024-25 Pavao posted 25 points (10-15-25) in 63 games. He also picked up a silver medal at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge that year, scoring a goal and adding two assists in four games for Team Canada Red.
Last season Pavao set career highs across the board with 43 points (21-22-43) in 64 games.
Pavao will join Americans alum Connor Dale at Merrimack College.
Tri-City opens the 2026-27 regular season on Saturday when they welcome the Spokane Chiefs to the Toyota Center for a 6:05 puck drop.
