Though AHL training camps are opening this week, a familiar face will not be among those reporting for duty.

Michael Mersch, who appeared in over 600 AHL games over the regular season and Calder Cup Playoffs, announced his retirement Monday through the Rochester Americans, the team with which he spent the last four seasons of his pro career.

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Mersch wore the C for Rochester for the last three seasons and was viewed as instrumental to the growth of a young Amerks team. The club made its deepest playoff run in 20 years in 2023, with Mersch tied for the team lead in points during that postseason run.

“I am so grateful to have finished my career with such a storied franchise,” said Mersch in a statement released by the team. “Thank you to the entire Rochester Americans and Buffalo Sabres organization for making our time together these last four years so special.”

After more than a decade-long career, Amerks captain Michael Mersch has announced his retirement from professional hockey.

Once an Amerk, always an Amerk. Thank you, Merschy ❤️

🔗 DETAILS | https://t.co/WHqa9nFMMa pic.twitter.com/vHaBckIOOA

— Rochester Americans (@AmerksHockey) September 30, 2024

Drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in the fourth round of the 2011 NHL Draft, Mersch completed four years of NCAA hockey with the University of Wisconsin before embarking on his pro career.

The Park Ridge, Ill., native first appeared in the AHL with the Manchester Monarchs in 2013-14 after completing his senior season for the Badgers. The following year, he was instrumental in helping lead the Manchester Monarchs to the Calder Cup, scoring a league-best 22 points in 17 postseason contests including 13 goals.

The following season, Mersch appeared in 17 NHL games with the Kings during the 2015-16 campaign.

He spent four full seasons in the Kings organization, playing for both the Monarchs and Ontario Reign, following the team’s relocation. Mersch also played two seasons with the Texas Stars before earning an opportunity with Rochester in 2020-21.

After making the team on a professional tryout in 2020, Mersch returned the following season as the captain and rewarded the Amerks with his best professional season including 26 goals and 54 points.

Mersch retires just shy of his 32nd birthday, telling legendary Rochester-based scribe Kevin Oklobzija that he is walking away to remain close with his wife and two young children, who reside in his hometown of Park Ridge. 

Over 11 professional seasons, Mersch appeared in 597 regular-season games, posting 188 goals and 213 assists for 401 points. He also had 50 points in 68 career Calder Cup Playoff games. 

When Does The AHL Season Start in 2024?

The season begins on Oct. 11, 2024 with the Milwaukee Admirals traveling to the Grand Rapids Griffins at 7 p.m. EDT and the Syracuse Crunch traveling to the Utica Comets at the same time. 

There are a total of 29 games over the opening weekend. 

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