Photo by: Greg Anderson
Mersch promoted by Los Angeles Kings for NHL debut
December 09, 2015 | Men's Hockey
All-American in 2013-14 is 18th former Badger in the league this season and 80th all-time
MADISON, Wis. — After spending parts of three different seasons in minor league hockey, Michael Mersch's wait is now over.
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Following an injury to forward Kyle Clifford earlier in the week, the Los Angeles Kings called up Mersch to the NHL on Wednesday, marking the former Badger's first NHL appearance in his three-year professional career.
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If Mersch suits up in a game for the Kings while Clifford is sidelined, he would be the first Badger alum this season to make his NHL debut. Wisconsin currently has the second-most alumni in the NHL this season with 17 players who have played in at least one game. In addition to being the 18th former Badger in the NHL this year, Mersch would also become the 80th NHL Badger all-time if he sees game time.
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Mersch, who earned All-American honors in his senior season at Wisconsin in 2013-14, is coming off a superb first full season in the AHL with the Kings' affiliate the Manchester Monarchs, which are now the Ontario Reign. After finishing fourth on Manchester with his 45 points last year, Mersch has started this season on a blistering pace for Ontario. In just 19 games this season, he already has 12 goals and 15 points. His goal total is five more than the next closest player on the Reign and is good for fifth overall in the AHL.
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The Kings drafted Mersch #110 overall in the fourth round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft
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A fourth-round draft pick of the Kings, 110th overall, in the 2011 NHL Draft, Mersch played seven games for Manchester during the 2013-14 season, which came on the heels of leading Wisconsin to a Big Ten Tournament championship and NCAA berth that same season. Then in his first full year with Manchester last season, he was a key force in the Monarchs' run to the Calder Cup, the playoff championship in the AHL. Following his 45 regular-season points with Manchester last season, Mersch went on a tear in the playoffs with 22 points, which included 13 goals, in just 18 playoff games.
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In his time at Wisconsin, Mersch played in every single game, posting 120 points in 157 contests with three 30-point seasons. His last two seasons at UW saw the Badgers close the program's WCHA era by winning the Broadmoor trophy, the WCHA playoff title, in 2012-13, winning the Big Ten tournament title the next season, and earning NCAA tournament berths in both campaigns. Wisconsin finished with 87 wins under Mersch's watch, as the Badgers had 22 or more wins in three of his four years.
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Mersch, who will wear No. 49, could make his NHL debut as early as Friday when the Kings travel to Pittsburgh to face the Penguins.
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Defenseman John Ramage was the most recent Badger alum to make his NHL debut when he suited up for the Calgary Flames on April 15 of last season.
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Following an injury to forward Kyle Clifford earlier in the week, the Los Angeles Kings called up Mersch to the NHL on Wednesday, marking the former Badger's first NHL appearance in his three-year professional career.
Â
If Mersch suits up in a game for the Kings while Clifford is sidelined, he would be the first Badger alum this season to make his NHL debut. Wisconsin currently has the second-most alumni in the NHL this season with 17 players who have played in at least one game. In addition to being the 18th former Badger in the NHL this year, Mersch would also become the 80th NHL Badger all-time if he sees game time.
Â
Mersch, who earned All-American honors in his senior season at Wisconsin in 2013-14, is coming off a superb first full season in the AHL with the Kings' affiliate the Manchester Monarchs, which are now the Ontario Reign. After finishing fourth on Manchester with his 45 points last year, Mersch has started this season on a blistering pace for Ontario. In just 19 games this season, he already has 12 goals and 15 points. His goal total is five more than the next closest player on the Reign and is good for fifth overall in the AHL.
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The Kings drafted Mersch #110 overall in the fourth round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft
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A fourth-round draft pick of the Kings, 110th overall, in the 2011 NHL Draft, Mersch played seven games for Manchester during the 2013-14 season, which came on the heels of leading Wisconsin to a Big Ten Tournament championship and NCAA berth that same season. Then in his first full year with Manchester last season, he was a key force in the Monarchs' run to the Calder Cup, the playoff championship in the AHL. Following his 45 regular-season points with Manchester last season, Mersch went on a tear in the playoffs with 22 points, which included 13 goals, in just 18 playoff games.
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In his time at Wisconsin, Mersch played in every single game, posting 120 points in 157 contests with three 30-point seasons. His last two seasons at UW saw the Badgers close the program's WCHA era by winning the Broadmoor trophy, the WCHA playoff title, in 2012-13, winning the Big Ten tournament title the next season, and earning NCAA tournament berths in both campaigns. Wisconsin finished with 87 wins under Mersch's watch, as the Badgers had 22 or more wins in three of his four years.
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Mersch, who will wear No. 49, could make his NHL debut as early as Friday when the Kings travel to Pittsburgh to face the Penguins.
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Defenseman John Ramage was the most recent Badger alum to make his NHL debut when he suited up for the Calgary Flames on April 15 of last season.
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