Bigger, faster, stronger Megna looks to shine

 CEDAR RAPIDS - Added muscle and weight in the offseason? Check.

Got in better overall physical shape? Double check.

Decided where to go to college? Yep.

Looking forward to playing brother in the regular season? Oh, yeah.

Become one of the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders' leading scorers and lead them to the Clark Cup? Let's see in about six months.

You'd have to think Jayson Megna would at least be able to accomplish the former of those two things. He's the second-leading returning scorer from last season's team and as the oldest on this year's club (turning 21 in February) will be looked upon for scoring and leadership.

"He had a really good summer, worked real hard," said RoughRiders Coach Mark Carlson. "He should be in a position where he should impact the game on a nightly basis. I think he'll be a real good leader for us."

Megna added 10 pounds of muscle in the offseason and checks in at a sturdy 5-foot-11 and 200 pounds. He worked with renowned hockey strength coach Mike Boyle in Boston and did additional work at his home in Northbrook, Ill., that was set up by RoughRiders strength and conditioning coach Nate Severson.

Right there next to him sweating and lifting was younger brother Jaycob, who plays for the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the USHL. The Riders and Lumberjacks play in Michigan on Nov. 20 and at Cedar Rapids on Dec. 4.

"It'll be fun playing against him," Jayson said. "I'm looking forward to that. He worked out with me all summer. He's probably the real story in the Megna family because he gained 30 pounds. He's like 6-foot-5, 210 pounds right now. He got the genetics. I'm just trying to keep up with him. He had a really good summer, too. We kind of fed off each other that way. It was kind of competitive."

Another really cool thing is that the Megnas will be teammates in college. Both have committed to Nebraska-Omaha, where they will play with longtime friend Bryce Aneloski, a former RoughRider.

Being able to go to school with his brother was a major factor in his decision, Jayson said.

"It's a great hockey school, got a great coaching staff, probably one of the best in the country," he said. "But just that little extra, being able to play with your brother, that was really the deal maker for me. I thought that would be really cool. And it's easy on my parents. They'll get to come out and watch a lot of games."

Megna had 11 goals and 15 assists in 56 games last season for Cedar Rapids. He's on the Riders' top forward line this season.

He is known for his skill and puck-handling ability as a player. There is a YouTube video of him playing in high school in which he skates across the ice in the opponent's zone, dekes a defender and scores a beautiful goal. 

"Skill does come to mind when you're talking about him. But now, to me, strength and power are right along with that," Carlson said. "I think that's why he's in a position to have a really good year. He's 200 pounds now, a big strong guy. Now all of a sudden he can use that skill more effectively."

"Right now, we're just focusing on winning games and trying to help the team as best I can," Megna said. "That's my most important goal."

Here's video of the aforementioned Megna goal: