Michael Mersch

Last updated

Michael Mersch
Michael Mersch at the 2024 AHL Outdoor Classic.jpg
Mersch with the Rochester Americans in 2024
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 2014present

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.

Contents

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

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

Amateur career

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

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

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

Los Angeles Kings organization

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] Mersch 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] Mersch was recognized as the CCM/AHL Rookie of the Month for the month of March after tallying six goals and eight assists for 14 points over 13 games. His efforts also helped propel the Monarchs into first place overall in the league standings. [33] During this stretch, Mersch also recorded his first professional hat-trick on March 27 against the Hershey Bears. He also tallied two assists to finish the game with five points and tied a franchise record for most points in a single game. [34] From March 27 to April 12, Mersch tallied at least one point over eight of the next nine games for a total of eight goals and five assists. His efforts helped the Monarchs clinch their first Macgregor Kilpatrick Trophy in franchise history. [35] Mersch and the Monarchs finished the 2014–15 season with a league-best 50–17–6–3 record and met with the Portland Pirates in the first round of the 2015 Calder Cup playoffs. [36]

Mersch holding the Calder Cup. LAM8434 (39407025695).jpg
Mersch holding the Calder Cup.

The Monarchs won the first two games of their series against the Pirates before conceding Games 3 and 4. In Game 5, Mersch scored two goals and one assist to lead the Monarchs to a 5–3 win over the Pirates. [37] Upon eliminating the Pirates, the Monarchs faced off against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in the Eastern Conference Semi-finals. By Game 4 of the semi-finals, Mersch and his linemates Jordan Weal and Brian O'Neill had combined for 19 points. [38] Mersch also led all rookies in the Calder Cup playoffs with six goals and seven assists for 13 points. [39] After eliminating the Penguins, Mersch ranked ninth on the Monarchs’ all-time playoff points leaders with six goals and eight assists. [40] Over the first two games of the Eastern Conference Finals, Mersch scored five goals to lead the Monarchs to two consecutive wins over the Hartford Wolf Pack. [41] After eliminating the Wolf Pack in four games, Mersch and O’Neill tied for fourth place on the team’s all-time playoff points list with 10 goals and nine assists. [42] Due to an injury in Game 3 against the Wolf Pack, Mersch sat out for the Monarchs series-clinching Game 4 but returned for the Calder Cup Finals against the Utica Comets. In his return, Mersch netted two goals and an assist for 21 points through 14 postseason games. [43] He finished the series with 13 goals and 22 points over 18 games as the Monarchs won their first ever Calder Cup. [36] This would also be the Monarchs final season in the AHL as Kings announced that they would be moving their AHL affiliate to Ontario, California and renaming them the Ontario Reign. [44]

Mersch again participated in the Los Angeles Kings development camp but reassigned to the Ontario Reign for their inaugural 2015–16 season. [45] On December 11, 2015, Mersch made his NHL debut for the Kings in a 3–2 shootout win against the Pittsburgh Penguins. [46] During the game, Mersch registered 2 shots and 3 hits during his 11:01 time on ice. [47] He later scored his first career NHL goal on December 29 against the Edmonton Oilers. [48] While still playing with the Kings, Mersch was selected to represent the Reign at the 2016 AHL All-Star Classic. At the time of the selection, he ranked fifth on the team with 12 goals and three assists through 19 games. His four power-play goals were also tied for the team lead. [49] He was returned to the Reign on January 15, after playing in 15 games and registering one goal and two assists through an average of 10:40 minutes per game. [50] Despite returning in time, Mersch was replaced in the AHL All-Star Game for unstated reasons. [51] Mersch spent a month with the Reign before being recalled to the NHL again on February 19, as a replacement for an injured Anže Kopitar. [52] The call-up only lasted two games as the Kings acquired veteran Kris Versteeg in a trade and Mersch was subsequently returned to the Reign. [53] Through his first four games back with the Reign, Mersch tallied two goals and three assists as the Reign maintained a 4–0–1–0 record. [54] He finished the regular season with the Reign having scored 24 goals through 52 games. His efforts also helped the Reign qualify for the 2016 Calder Cup playoffs but he struggled in their first-round matchup against the San Jose Barracuda. [55] The Reign were eventually eliminated by the Lake Erie Monsters in the Western Conference championship. [56]

In January 2017, Mersh suffered a lower-body injury following a hit by Bakersfield Condors forward Kyle Platzer. [57] He was expected to miss nearly an entire month in order to recover. [58] Despite the injury, Mersch scored 16 goals and 17 assists through 48 games. He signed a one-year, two-way contract extension with the Kings on July 14, 2017, worth an Average Annual Value of $650,000 at the NHL level. [59]

Following the signing of the contract, Mersch again participated in the Los Angeles Kings' development camp before being reassigned to the Ontario Reign for the 2017–18 season. [60] Upon returning to the Reign, Mersch was named an alternate captain alongside Justin Auger, Andrew Crescenzi, and Kevin Gravel. [61] Through his first 45 games of the season, Mersch led all Reign players in points with 33 and power-play goals with nine. He earned his first NHL recall of the season on February 14, 2018. [62]

Texas Stars

After four full seasons within the Kings organization 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. [63] He attended their 2018 training camp but was reassigned to their AHL affiliate, the Texas Stars, to start the 2018–19 season. [64] By mid-January, Mersch ranked eighth on the team with nine goals and 11 assists through 29 games. [65] He was recalled to the NHL level on January 14 [65] but was returned the next day without playing a game. [66]

Rochester Americans

Mersch with the Rochester Americans in 2022. Michael Mersch 2022.jpg
Mersch with the Rochester Americans in 2022.

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. [67] 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. [68]

Mersch missed the first 11 games of the 2022–23 season, but quickly accumulated 20 points in 22 games upon returning. [69] Throughout the season, Mersch set numerous personal records. He played in his 100th game as a Rochester American player on November 25 and then appeared in his 500th professional game on December 10. He collected his 100th point as a Rochester American on February 17 en route to matching his career-high 28 assists. [70] During Game 3 of the 2023 Calder Cup Eastern Conference series, Mersch suffered a head injury following a check by Utica Comets player Robbie Russo. [71] Russo was subsequently suspended one game for the hit. [72]

In his third year as captain, Mersch and the Americans started the 2023–24 season with a 5–1–1–0 record through the opening seven games of the season. This marked their best start of a season since their 2009–10 season. [73] On April 6, Mersch tallied his 400th career AHL point with an overtime goal against the Providence Bruins. [74]

Personal life

Mersch and his wife Jenna have one child together. [75]

Career statistics

Regular season Playoffs
Season TeamLeagueGP G A Pts PIM GPGAPtsPIM
2008–09 U.S. National Development Team NAHL 421513285095274
2009–10 U.S. National Development Team USHL 2744822
2010–11 University of Wisconsin WCHA 418111932
2011–12 University of WisconsinWCHA3714163037
2012–13 University of WisconsinWCHA4223133622
2013–14 University of Wisconsin B1G 3722133518
2013–14 Manchester Monarchs AHL 7213240112
2014–15 Manchester MonarchsAHL762223452518139228
2015–16 Ontario Reign AHL5224194326132464
2015–16 Los Angeles Kings NHL 171230
2016–17 Ontario ReignAHL481617334650330
2017–18 Ontario ReignAHL652128491641232
2018–19 Texas Stars AHL6823224536
2019–20 Texas StarsAHL6114132753
2020–21 Rochester Americans AHL288111924
2021–22 Rochester AmericansAHL652628543950000
2022–23 Rochester AmericansAHL61172845311467134
2023–24 Rochester AmericansAHL661523382552022
NHL totals171230

Awards and honors

AwardYearRef
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 [36]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tony Granato</span> American ice hockey player and coach

Anthony Lewis Granato is an American former professional ice hockey left winger and former head coach of the Wisconsin Badgers men's ice hockey team. He served as head coach of the United States men's national ice hockey team at the 2018 Winter Olympics. Previously, he also served as head coach of the National Hockey League (NHL)'s Colorado Avalanche, as well as with the Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburgh Penguins as an assistant coach.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Manchester Monarchs (AHL)</span> Former American Hockey League team in Manchester, New Hampshire

The Manchester Monarchs were a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League (AHL). They played in Manchester, New Hampshire, at the Verizon Wireless Arena. They were the AHL affiliate of the National Hockey League (NHL) Los Angeles Kings during the team's entire existence. The Monarchs won their only Calder Cup in their final AHL season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ryan Suter</span> American ice hockey player (born 1985)

Ryan Suter is an American professional ice hockey defenseman for the Dallas Stars of the National Hockey League (NHL). He has previously played for the Nashville Predators and Minnesota Wild. Internationally, Suter has represented the U.S. national team at the 2010 Winter Olympics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Paul Bissonnette</span> Canadian ice hockey player and analyst

Paul Albert Bissonnette, nicknamed "Biz Nasty", is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Phoenix Coyotes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gary Shuchuk</span> Canadian ice hockey player and coach

Gary Robert Shuchuk is a Canadian professional ice hockey coach and former forward who is currently an assistant coach with Grizzlys Wolfsburg of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga. He played in the National Hockey League (NHL) between 1991 and 1996. The rest of his career, which lasted from 1990 to 2004, was spent in the minor leagues and later in Europe. After his playing career Shuchuk turned to coaching and spent several years at the American collegiate level.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Davis Drewiske</span> American ice hockey player

Davis Anthony Drewiske is an American former professional ice hockey defenseman who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the Los Angeles Kings and Montreal Canadiens.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blake Geoffrion</span> American ice hockey player

Blake Daniel Geoffrion is an American former professional ice hockey player. He last played with the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League. He was a second round selection of the Nashville Predators, 56th overall, at the 2006 NHL Entry Draft and made his NHL debut on February 26, 2011. In doing so, he became the first fourth-generation player in the league's history, after his father Dan, grandfather Bernie and great-grandfather Howie Morenz. He was traded to the Montreal Canadiens in 2012 and while playing with their minor league affiliate, the Hamilton Bulldogs, suffered a depressed skull fracture that forced his retirement from the game in 2013. He then joined the Columbus Blue Jackets initially as a pro scout, before earning a promotion as the assistant general manager to AHL affiliate, the Lake Erie Monsters.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Derek Forbort</span> American ice hockey player (born 1992)

Derek Forbort is an American professional ice hockey defenseman for the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League (NHL). He previously played for the Los Angeles Kings, Calgary Flames and Winnipeg Jets. He was originally selected by the Kings, 15th overall, in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Justin Schultz</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1990)

Justin Schultz is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman for the Seattle Kraken of the National Hockey League (NHL). He has previously played in the NHL for the Edmonton Oilers, Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals. Schultz won back-to-back Stanley Cups with the Penguins in 2016 and 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ben Street (ice hockey)</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1987)

Benjamin Street is a Canadian professional ice hockey forward for EHC Red Bull München of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL). An undrafted player, Street played five seasons of college hockey with the Wisconsin Badgers before turning professional in 2010. He joined the Calgary Flames organization in 2012 before signing with the Colorado Avalanche in 2014. He has also played with the Detroit Red Wings, Anaheim Ducks and New Jersey Devils.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John Ramage (ice hockey)</span> American ice hockey player (born 1991)

John Ramage is a Canadian born-American professional ice hockey defenceman currently playing for Grizzlys Wolfsburg of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL). Ramage was a fourth-round selection of the Calgary Flames at the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Adrian Kempe</span> Swedish ice hockey player (born 1996)

Adrian Kempe is a Swedish professional ice hockey player for the Los Angeles Kings of the National Hockey League (NHL). Kempe was selected by the Kings in the first round of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ontario Reign</span> American Hockey League team in Ontario, California

The Ontario Reign are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League (AHL) that began play in the 2015–16 season. Based in Ontario, California, and affiliated with the National Hockey League's Los Angeles Kings, the team plays its home games at the Toyota Arena.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jonny Brodzinski</span> American ice hockey player (born 1993)

Jonathan Brodzinski is an American professional ice hockey player for the New York Rangers of the National Hockey League (NHL). Brodzinski was selected by the Los Angeles Kings in the fifth round of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Trent Frederic</span> American ice hockey player (born 1998)

Trent Frederic is an American professional ice hockey forward for the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League (NHL). The Bruins selected him in the first round, 29th overall, of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eddie Wittchow</span> American ice hockey player

Edward Wittchow is an American professional ice hockey defenseman who is currently an unrestricted free agent. He most recently played under contract with the Coachella Valley Firebirds in the American Hockey League (AHL).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zac Leslie</span> Canadian ice hockey player

Zachary Leslie is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman currently playing under contract with SC Rapperswil-Jona Lakers of the National League (NL).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bokondji Imama</span> Canadian ice hockey player (born 1996)

Bokondji "Boko" Imama is a Canadian professional ice hockey winger currently playing with the Belleville Senators of the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract with the Ottawa Senators of the National Hockey League (NHL). He has previously played for the Arizona Coyotes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ryan Wagner (ice hockey)</span> American ice hockey player

Ryan Wagner is an American professional ice hockey forward who is currently playing for the Chicago Wolves of the American Hockey League (AHL).

Ty Emberson is an American professional ice hockey defenseman for the San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League (NHL).

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Michael Mersch". Elite Prospects. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  2. 1 2 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. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "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. 1 2 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. 1 2 3 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. 1 2 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. 1 2 "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. 1 2 "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. 1 2 "All-Big Ten Hockey Team Announced". Big 10 Network. March 17, 2014. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  29. 1 2 "2013-2014 MEN'S CCM HOCKEY DIVISION I ALL-AMERICANS". American Hockey Coaches Association. 2014. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  30. 1 2 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. 1 2 "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. "AHL names award winners for March". American Hockey League. April 1, 2015. Retrieved May 5, 2024.
  34. "Mersch's hat trick tops Bears, 6-3". Manchester Monarchs. March 27, 2015. Retrieved May 5, 2024.
  35. "Monarchs earn Kilpatrick Trophy with 4-0 win". Manchester Monarchs. April 12, 2015. Retrieved May 5, 2024.
  36. 1 2 3 Clinton, Jared (June 14, 2015). "Manchester Monarchs capture Calder Cup with 2-1 Game 5 victory". The Hockey News. Retrieved May 5, 2024.
  37. "Pirates eliminated by Manchester, 5-3". The Times Record. May 4, 2015. Retrieved May 5, 2024.
  38. "Weal hat trick sparks Monarchs in Game 4". American Hockey League. May 11, 2015. Retrieved May 5, 2024.
  39. "AHL Morning Skate: May 12". American Hockey League. May 12, 2015. Retrieved May 5, 2024.
  40. "Monarchs, Wolf Pack Series Preview". Manchester Monarchs. May 15, 2015. Retrieved May 5, 2024.
  41. "Monarchs too much for Pack again". American Hockey League. May 23, 2015. Retrieved May 5, 2024.
  42. "Monarchs earn Calder Cup Finals bid". Manchester Monarchs. May 27, 2015. Retrieved May 5, 2024.
  43. "Mersch's return sparks Monarchs in Game 1". American Hockey League. June 6, 2015. Retrieved May 5, 2024.
  44. "Reign Become the AHL Affiliate of LA Kings". Ontario Reign. January 30, 2015. Archived from the original on February 3, 2015. Retrieved May 5, 2024.
  45. "Kings make 18 cuts; a conversation with Mersch". Los Angeles Kings Insider. September 26, 2015. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  46. "Gaborik's SO goal lifts Kings to 3-2 win over Penguins". ESPN. December 12, 2015. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
  47. "Los Angeles Kings 3 - Pittsburgh Penguins 2". National Hockey League. Archived from the original on December 14, 2015. Retrieved May 1, 2024.
  48. "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.
  49. Norris, Bill (January 7, 2016). "Reign's Budaj, LoVerde and Mersch named to AHL All-Star roster". Inland Valley Daily Bulletin. Archived from the original on May 6, 2024. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
  50. Alexander, Jim (January 29, 2016). "Alexander: NHL delayed, not denied, for Reign forward Mersch". The Press-Enterprise. Archived from the original on May 9, 2024. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
  51. "AHL announces All-Star roster changes". American Hockey League. January 26, 2016. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
  52. Stanley, Robby (February 20, 2016). "Kings likely without Kopitar vs. Predators". National Hockey League. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
  53. Alfano, George (March 11, 2016). "Reign Notes: Mersch returns to Ontario, through no fault of his own". Press-Enterprise. Archived from the original on May 9, 2024. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
  54. "#AHLOTB: Roommates' path to the NHL". American Hockey League. March 17, 2016. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
  55. "Mersch sparks Reign to Game 1 win". American Hockey League. May 5, 2016. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
  56. "Monsters heading to Calder Cup Finals". American Hockey League. May 26, 2016. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  57. "Details emerge about Mersch's knee injury". Los Angeles Kings Insider. January 21, 2017. Retrieved May 12, 2024.
  58. "Kings' Michael Mersch: Out until at least mid-February". CBS Sports. January 24, 2017. Retrieved May 12, 2024.
  59. "Michael Mersch Signs 1-Year Contract with LA Kings". National Hockey League. July 14, 2017. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
  60. "Michael Mersch, Andrew Crescenzi Clear Waivers; Assigned to Ontario (AHL)". National Hockey League. September 28, 2017. Retrieved May 11, 2024.
  61. "Forward Brett Sutter Named Captain of the Reign". Ontario Reign. October 5, 2017. Retrieved May 12, 2024.
  62. "LA Kings Recall Forward Michael Mersch from Ontario Reign". National Hockey League. February 14, 2018. Retrieved May 12, 2024.
  63. "Stars sign left wing Michael Mersch to two-year, two-way contract". National Hockey League. July 1, 2018. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  64. "Stars trim roster, assigning Condra, Mersch to Texas". National Hockey League. September 30, 2018. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  65. 1 2 "Stars recall left wing Michael Mersch from Texas". National Hockey League. January 14, 2019. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  66. "Stars reassign left wing Michael Mersch to Texas". National Hockey League. January 15, 2019. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  67. "Amerks sign Mersch to tryout deal". American Hockey League. February 6, 2021. Retrieved May 1, 2024.
  68. "Amerks sign Mersch to two-year deal". American Hockey League. August 4, 2021. Retrieved May 1, 2024.
  69. Cool, Suzie (January 18, 2023). "Mersch Returning To Form Following Injury". American Hockey League. Retrieved May 12, 2024.
  70. "Michael Mersch: Season In Review". Rochester Americans. June 30, 2023. Retrieved May 12, 2024.
  71. @danfetes (May 17, 2022). "Robbie Russo has been suspended for one game by @TheAHL for this 'illegal check to the head' of AmerksHockey captain Michael Mersch. Mersch left the game and did not return and WILL NOT play tonight with an undisclosed injury" (Tweet) via Twitter.
  72. "Comets' Russo suspended for Game 4". American Hockey League. May 17, 2022. Retrieved May 12, 2024.
  73. Mossbrooks, Andrew (October 30, 2023). "Taco Bell Wrap-Up: Amerks Off To Best Start In 14 Years". Rochester Americans. Retrieved May 13, 2024.
  74. "Mersch's 400th Point Leads Amerks Past Bruins in Overtime". Our Sports Central. April 6, 2024. Retrieved May 13, 2024.
  75. 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