Michael Mersch

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
For the American building contractor and politician, see Michael J. Mersch.

Michael Mersch
Michael Mersch at the 2024 AHL Outdoor Classic.jpg
Mersch with the Rochester Americans at the 2024 AHL Outdoor Classic
Born (1992-10-02) October 2, 1992 (age 31)
Park Ridge, Illinois, U.S.
Height 6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
Weight 216 lb (98 kg; 15 st 6 lb)
Position Forward
Shoots Left
AHL team
Former teams		 Rochester Americans
Los Angeles Kings
NHL draft 110th overall, 2011
Los Angeles Kings
Playing career 2014–present

Michael Mersch (born October 2, 1992) is an American professional ice hockey forward and captain of the Rochester Americans in the American Hockey League (AHL). He was selected by the Los Angeles Kings in the 4th round (110th overall) of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

Growing up in Park Ridge, Illinois, Mersch competed with the Chicago Young Americans and Team Illinois AAA in the Tier 1 Elite Hockey League before joining the USA Hockey National Team Development Program (USNTDP) in 2008. After taking an accelerated course load to finish high school early, Mersch joined the Wisconsin Badgers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 2010. While with the Badgers, Mersch set a program record and was named to the All-Big Ten First Team, WCHA All-Academic Team, and West Second-Team All-American.

Mersch finished his collegiate career by signing an entry-level contract with the Los Angeles Kings in April 2014. He was immediately assigned to the Kings' AHL affiliate, the Manchester Monarchs for the remaining 11 games of the season. Mersch made his NHL debut with the Kings on December 11, 2015, and later scored his first career NHL goal on December 29 against the Edmonton Oilers.

Early life[edit]

Mersch was born on October 2, 1992, in Park Ridge, Illinois,[1] to parents Michael and Nancy Mersch. His father, whom he was named after, was a defenseman who played professionally in the International Hockey League.[2] Before his father died in 2000 from cancer,[2] Mersch and his younger brother Dominick were motivated by him to play ice hockey.[3] The pair also grew up with a sister, Natalie.[4]

Playing career[edit]

Amatuer career[edit]

Growing up in Illinois, Mersch competed with the Chicago Young Americans and Team Illinois AAA in the Tier 1 Elite Hockey League (T1EHL).[1] Before joining the USA Hockey National Team Development Program (USNTDP) in 2008,[5] Mersch recorded 35 goals and 75 points for Team Illinois.[1] While competing with the USNTDP, Mersch enrolled in Pioneer High School for his sophomore season. After his successful rookie season with the USNTDP, Mersch garnered the attention of Mike Eaves, the head coach for the Wisconsin Badgers men's ice hockey team. Due to encouragement from Eaves, Mersch took an accelerated course load offered through Brigham Young University and summer school to finish high school a year early.[6] He returned to the USNTDP for his U-18 season where he posted four goals and eight points in 26 games.[1]

Collegiate career[edit]

Mersch played for the Wisconsin Badgers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison (UW–Madison) from 2010 to 2014. There, he enrolled in the School of Human Ecology and majored in consumer affairs.[4] Mersch scored his first collegiate goal on October 10, 2010, to help the Badgers shut-out the Holy Cross Crusaders 6–0.[7] Through his first 10 games with the Badgers, Mersch was tried in all three forward positions and scored five goals.[6] In January 2011, Mersch was the highest ranked Badger on the NHL Central Scouting Bureau's Midterm Report for North American players eligible for the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.[8] At that point, he had recorded 14 points through 26 games and maintained a plus 17 rating for the Badgers.[9] Mersch finished the year leading all team freshmen with 8 goals and 11 assists over a team-high 41 games.[10] With a final scouting ranking of 83,[10] Mersch was drafted 110th overall by the Los Angeles Kings.[11] Prior to the draft, Mersch was praised by Eaves for his work ethic and player development throughout his freshman season, stating: "When you see the work ethic Michael brings, and his willingness to do the little things, hard things and detailed things to get his game to be the best it can be, it's easy to like a young man like that."[10]

Following the draft, Mersch returned to UW–Madison for his sophomore season. When speaking on his decision to return to school, Mersch said: "It gives you time to develop your game, you’re in no rush. … I’m not rushed; I’m just enjoying playing."[12] He scored the Badgers' first goal of the 2011–12 season on October 12 but the team fell 2–1 to the Northern Michigan Wildcats.[13] While the Badgers began the season with a 5–5–1 record, Mersch started with four goals.[14] He finished his sophomore season second on the team in scoring with 14 goals and third on the team with 16 points.[4]

Mersch once again returned to UW–Madison for his junior season. Although the team began the season with one win over eight games, Mersch had tallied six goals in that span and was one of only two players to score more than one goal.[12] Mersch continued to lead the team in scoring while the Badgers struggled to win games. As the Badgers held a 2–7–5 record, Mersch led the team with nine goals and accounted for 35 per cent of the team's goals.[15] With Mersch's assistance, the Badgers began gaining momentum and won 10 consecutive games.[16][17] Mersch's efforts were recognized with the Western Collegiate Hockey Association's (WCHA) Offensive Player of the Week after he recorded three goals and six points over two games at the start of March.[18] As the Badgers began improving as the season continued, they finished the 2012–13 season with the Broadmoor Trophy as the WCHA's playoff champions and made their 24th NCAA tournament appearance. Mersch finished the season leading the team, and ranking second in the conference, with 23 goals and 36 points.[19] In spite of this, he was controversially left off of the All-WCHA teams.[20] He also became the fourth player in program history to be responsible for at least 20 percent of a team's goals in a season.[4] Due to his grades, Mersch was named to the WCHA All-Academic team and was nominated for the UW Athletics 2012-13 Athlete of the Year.[19] He was also recognized by his team with the Badgers' Spike Carlson Most Valuable Player award.[21] Once the season was over, Mersch attended the Los Angeles Kings 2013 Development Camp,[22] but intended to return to UW–Madison for his senior year.[21]

In his final year with the Badgers, Mersch led the team in goals, set a program record, and earned numerous Big Ten accolades.[4] Mersch scored his 100th career point with the Badgers on December 13 in a win over the Colorado College Tigers.[23] After scoring again the following game to maintain a five-game goal streak, Mersch earned a Big Ten Second Star of the Week honor on December 17.[24] Mersch scored his first collegiate hat-trick on January 10 against the Michigan Wolverines to lead the team to a 5–2 win.[25] Mersch's production remained steady as the season progressed and he became the first Badger since 2005–06 to notch 20 or more goals in two consecutive seasons. Additionally, his 10 power-play goals marked a milestone, as he became the first Badger player to lead the team in power-play goals for three consecutive seasons.[4] In the Big Ten tournament semifinal against Penn State, Mersch scored the Badgers' only two goals of the game to lead them to the Big Ten Championship.[26][27] Mersch's outstanding play was rewarded with a selection to the 2013–14 All-Big Ten First Team[28] and West Second-Team All-American.[29] On April 1, 2014, Mersch concluded his collegiate career by signing a three-year entry-level contract with the Los Angeles Kings.[30]

Professional career[edit]

Mersch with the Los Angeles Kings at their 2013 Development Camp.

After finishing his college career, Mersch was assigned to the Kings' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Manchester Monarchs, for the remainder of the 2013–14 season.[30] Over 11 regular season and playoff games with the Monarchs, Mersch scored two goals and one assist for three points.[31] He then participated in the Los Angeles Kings Development Camp before the start of the 2014–15 season but was again re-assigned to the Monarchs.[32] He started his first full season with the Monarchs registering 10 points over the first 28 games. This included his first game-winning goal on December 6, 2014, against the Norfolk Admirals.[31]

On December 11, 2015, Mersch made his NHL debut for the Kings in a 3–2 shootout win against the Pittsburgh Penguins. During the game, Mersch registered 2 shots and 3 hits during his 11:01 time on ice.[33] He later scored his first career NHL goal on December 29 against the Edmonton Oilers.[34] Mersch played 17 games with the Kings during the 2015–16 season, where he accumulated one goal and two assists.[2]

Mersch spent the entirety of the 2016–17 campaign with the Ontario Reign in the AHL. After scoring 16 goals and 17 assists through 48 games, Mersch signed a one-year, two-way contract extension with the Kings on July 14, 2017.[35]

After four full seasons within the Kings organization following the 2017–18 campaign and having been unable to break into the NHL squad, Mersch left as a free agent and signed a two-year, two-way contract with the Dallas Stars on July 1, 2018.[36]

As a free agent from the Stars at the conclusion of his contract, Mersch was un-signed leading into the pandemic-delayed 2020–21 season. He agreed to a professional tryout contract with the Rochester Americans, the AHL affiliate of the Buffalo Sabres, on February 6, 2021.[37] Despite missing the beginning of the season, Mersch finished the regular season second on the team in scoring with eight goals and 11 assists for 19 points through 28 games. As a result, he signed a two-year AHL contract to remain with the Americans on August 4, 2021.[38]

Personal life[edit]

Mersch and his wife Jenna have one child together.[39]

Career statistics[edit]

Regular season Playoffs
Season Team League GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM
2008–09 U.S. National Development Team NAHL 42 15 13 28 50 9 5 2 7 4
2009–10 U.S. National Development Team USHL 27 4 4 8 22 — — — — —
2010–11 University of Wisconsin WCHA 41 8 11 19 32 — — — — —
2011–12 University of Wisconsin WCHA 37 14 16 30 37 — — — — —
2012–13 University of Wisconsin WCHA 42 23 13 36 22 — — — — —
2013–14 University of Wisconsin B1G 37 22 13 35 18 — — — — —
2013–14 Manchester Monarchs AHL 7 2 1 3 2 4 0 1 1 2
2014–15 Manchester Monarchs AHL 76 22 23 45 25 18 13 9 22 8
2015–16 Ontario Reign AHL 52 24 19 43 26 13 2 4 6 4
2015–16 Los Angeles Kings NHL 17 1 2 3 0 — — — — —
2016–17 Ontario Reign AHL 48 16 17 33 46 5 0 3 3 0
2017–18 Ontario Reign AHL 65 21 28 49 16 4 1 2 3 2
2018–19 Texas Stars AHL 68 23 22 45 36 — — — — —
2019–20 Texas Stars AHL 61 14 13 27 53 — — — — —
2020–21 Rochester Americans AHL 28 8 11 19 24 — — — — —
2021–22 Rochester Americans AHL 65 26 28 54 39 5 0 0 0 0
2022–23 Rochester Americans AHL 61 17 28 45 31 14 6 7 13 4
NHL totals 17 1 2 3 0 — — — — —

Awards and honors[edit]

Award Year Ref
College
WCHA All-Academic Team 2012–13
All-Big Ten First Team 2013–14 [28]
AHCA West Second-Team All-American 2013–14 [29]
AHL
Calder Cup (Manchester Monarchs) 2015 [40]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d "Michael Mersch". Elite Prospects. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  2. ^ a b c Tickle, Hunter (April 13, 2018). "'I'm sure my husband is looking very proudly on him': Park Ridge native stars for LA Kings affiliate". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on April 30, 2024. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  3. ^ Kosel, Warren (October 4, 2023). "Mersch Brothers 'Grateful To Be Together' At Amerks Training Camp". Rochester Americans. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  4. ^ a b c d e f "25 Michael Mersch". uwbadgers.com. University of Wisconsin-Madison. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  5. ^ "U.S. Under-17 Team roster announced". North American Hockey League. August 1, 2008. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  6. ^ a b Baggot, Andy (November 11, 2010). "UW men's hockey: Mersch's plan for hockey is working fine so far". Wisconsin State Journal. Archived from the original on April 30, 2024. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  7. ^ "Badgers defeat Holy Cross 6-0 for season's first win". University of Wisconsin-Madison. October 10, 2010. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  8. ^ "Two current, one future Badger on NHL Central Scouting Midterm Report". University of Wisconsin-Madison. January 12, 2011. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  9. ^ Kennedy, Ryan (January 18, 2011). "Taking LaBate". The Hockey News. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  10. ^ a b c Jensen, Pete (June 11, 2011). "Mersch no stranger to hard work". National Hockey League. Archived from the original on June 28, 2011. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  11. ^ "2011 NHL Draft Selections". National Hockey League. June 25, 2011. Archived from the original on August 27, 2011. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  12. ^ a b Daniels, Nick (November 20, 2012). "Mersch finding his niche at UW". Badger Herald. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  13. ^ "Wisconsin allows pair of late goals in season-opening loss". University of Wisconsin-Madison. October 12, 2012. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  14. ^ "Badgers down top-ranked Gophers 3-1". University of Wisconsin-Madison. November 11, 2011. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  15. ^ Baggot, Andy (December 13, 2012). "Badgers men's hockey: Michael Mersch not afraid of rough stuff". Wisconsin State Journal. Archived from the original on April 30, 2024. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  16. ^ Erickson, Kelly (January 28, 2013). "Badgers extend WCHA undefeated streak to 10". Badger Herald. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  17. ^ Daniels, Nick (January 31, 2013). "UW sets sights on No. 7 UND". Badger Herald. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  18. ^ "Mersch named WCHA Offensive Player of the Week". University of Wisconsin-Madison. March 5, 2013. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  19. ^ a b "Athlete of the Year nominees: Michael Mersch". University of Wisconsin-Madison. June 11, 2013. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  20. ^ Baggot, Andy (March 15, 2013). "Badgers men's hockey: Michael Mersch snubbed on All-WCHA team". Wisconsin State Journal. Archived from the original on April 30, 2024. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  21. ^ a b "Wisconsin doles out team awards, reveals 2013-14 captains". University of Wisconsin-Madison. April 25, 2013. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  22. ^ Meloni, Joe (June 2013). "NCAA Player NHL Development Camp Participation 2013". College Hockey News. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  23. ^ Baggot, Andy (December 14, 2013). "Badgers men's hockey: Nick Kerdiles, UW find time to dispatch Colorado College". La Crosse Tribune. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  24. ^ "Mersch, Navin named Big Ten stars this week". University of Wisconsin-Madison. December 17, 2013. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  25. ^ "Mersch hat trick leads Wisconsin past No. 8 Wolverines". University of Wisconsin-Madison. January 10, 2014. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  26. ^ "Mersch's big day sends Badgers to Big Ten championship". University of Wisconsin-Madison. March 21, 2014. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  27. ^ Corcoran, Dan (March 21, 2014). "Mersch leads Badgers to Big Ten Tournament Championship game". Badger Herald. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  28. ^ a b "All-Big Ten Hockey Team Announced". Big 10 Network. March 17, 2014. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  29. ^ a b "2013-2014 MEN'S CCM HOCKEY DIVISION I ALL-AMERICANS". American Hockey Coaches Association. 2014. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  30. ^ a b Hoven, John (April 5, 2014). "Mersch Graduates To Pro Hockey, Offers Kings Hope At Left Wing". National Hockey League. Archived from the original on March 19, 2015. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  31. ^ a b "Monarchs Scouting Report: Michael Mersch". New Hampshire Union-Leader. December 23, 2014. Retrieved May 1, 2024.
  32. ^ "Badgers make mark in NHL training camps". University of Wisconsin-Madison. September 30, 2014. Retrieved May 1, 2024.
  33. ^ "Los Angeles Kings 3 - Pittsburgh Penguins 2". National Hockey League. Archived from the original on December 14, 2015. Retrieved May 1, 2024.
  34. ^ "Kings score 3 goals on Talbot in 96 seconds, beat Oilers 5-2". ESPN. Archived from the original on April 30, 2024. Retrieved May 1, 2024.
  35. ^ "Kings sign Michael Mersch to one-year extension". Sportsnet. July 14, 2017. Retrieved May 1, 2024.
  36. ^ "Stars sign Left Wing Michael Mersch to a two-year, two-way deal". Dallas Stars. July 1, 2018. Retrieved July 1, 2018.
  37. ^ "Amerks sign Mersch to tryout deal". American Hockey League. February 6, 2021. Retrieved May 1, 2024.
  38. ^ "Amerks sign Mersch to two-year deal". American Hockey League. August 4, 2021. Retrieved May 1, 2024.
  39. ^ Cool, Suzie (January 4, 2023). "COMRIE PROVIDES CALMING PRESENCE FOR AMERKS". Rochester Americans. Retrieved April 30, 2024. Captain Michael Mersch is out of the lineup tonight as him and his wife, Jenna, welcomed their new baby boy into the world yesterday
  40. ^ "Manchester defeats Utica to win Calder Cup". National Hockey League. June 19, 2015. Retrieved June 19, 2015.

External links[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Michael Mersch.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Michael_Mersch&oldid=1221966565"