By: Aiden Locke
ROCHESTER, NY --- The Rochester Americans will have to look for a new captain for the 2024-25 season. Michael Mersch - who's worn the "C" for Rochester since the 2021-22 season - has called it a career after 11 professional seasons.
Mersch's retirement comes at a time of significant turnover for the Rochester Americans. Previous head coach Seth Appert received a promotion, becoming an assistant coach for Lindy Ruff and the Buffalo Sabres. New Rochester head man Michael Leone was announced as Appert's replacement on June 6.
In four seasons in Rochester, Mersch played in 220 games for the Amerks, tallied 66 goals, 90 assists for 156 points. In 24 playoff games he also contributed 15 points.
Mersch became an Amerk on the first day of the 2020-21 season - at a time when everyone questioned where life would take them because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
"I was super excited," Mersch said. "I felt like I was getting a new chance on life...that part of my life gave me a chance to reflect a little bit more and when I came to the Amerks I felt like I had a clean slate."
His arrival in Rochester served as a transition point in his career. Having a wealth of experience under his belt after winning a Calder Cup with the Kings organization and no longer being an NHL prospect his role in Rochester was vastly different. The Amerks provided Mersch an opportunity to extend his career and be a leader and veteran presence in the locker room. His impact was felt quickly, being named the team's captian in just his second season in Rochester.
"It was a transition period for me as player," Mersch said. "Going from being so focused on the NHL and being a prospect and transitioning into that leadership and veteran role I came into with the Amerks."
Mersch played for four different AHL teams throughout his career. He was drafted in the fourth round (110 overall) by the LA Kings in 2011. He wouldn't turn pro until the end of his collegic career at Wisconsin following the 2013-14 college hockey season. He spent four years with the Kings organization. Mersch played 17 games for the Kings during the 2015-16 NHL season and produced a goal along with a pair of assists.
"Being apart of those LA teams that had guys who had done it all was super cool and pretty unreal for me," Mersch said.
Mersch won a Calder Cup with the Manchester Monarchs in the 2014-15 in his first full professional season. He contributed 45 points in 76 regular season contests.
"Winning the Calder Cup my first year was a blast, so cool," Mersch said. "It seemed like the year flew by then we were playing into June, doing that my first year sets you up to potentially have a longer career."
His second stop brought him to Texas, being signed by the Dallas Stars organization. He appeared in 129 games for the Texas Stars in the AHL and scored 37 goals and 72 points over two seasons.
"Signing as a free agent with Dallas and Texas, that was a great experience going through that process," Mersch said.
Rochester was a vastly different experience for Mersch as a player with different goals and ambitions becoming the forefront. He was a productive player for Rochester and a much needed leader for the Americans.
"It gave me a little closer," Mersch said. "You obviously want to play as long as you can as long as it makes sense...I loved it in Rochester and the four years there were incredible."
Mersch's decision to retire was family driven. Being able to spend more time at home with his loved ones became the priority for the 11 year AHL vet.
What comes next for Mersch is still to be decided. He hasn't ruled out a return to hockey in some capacity, but naturally he wants time to assess his future and make the best decision for himself and his family.
Rochester won't soon forget his impact on the team and community and he is a strong candidate to end up in the Amerks Hall of Fame.
As of Tuesday October 1, 2024 Rochester is yet to announce a new captain for the 2024-25 AHL season. Rochester's season opener for the 2024-25 season is Friday October 11 at Blue Cross Arena, puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.
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