Jon Merrill May Not Return to Hockey Team SIAP
We already know that Merrill was on a 12 game suspension. But according to this article, he did not practice with the team last Friday and instead, went to a Plymouth Whalers game. The Whalers own his OHL rights, so if he ceased to play for MIchigan this season, he'd go to the Whalers until next year when he joined the Devils minor league system. His future with UM is in question right now. Red was asked about it and he said he couldn't say anything because Merrill's future with the team isn't up to Red. No idea on the real story behind this so we'll just have to wait and see how this plays out.
This hurts the team as Merrill was our best defenseman. Luckily, the offense has surpassed expectations so far this season. Time will tell if the offense is solid or just an early season aberration.
October 20th, 2011 at 11:24 PM ^
This hurts a lot.
October 21st, 2011 at 9:54 PM ^
we'll be fine. this is Michigan fer gawdsakes!
October 20th, 2011 at 11:28 PM ^
is kind of weird. I guess it's not totally off the wall for an AD to have a say in an athlete's suspension and we know DB likes to be hands-on, but Red, in this article and other places has talked about how Merrill's return isn't just up to Red, but to the team, hockey operations staff on top of DB and himself and it's not like Red hasn't earned the right to decide what happens with player discipline on his own. Hopefully Merrill decides to take his medcine and come back to the team rather than leave. The team's good without him, but he would still be a huge upgrade on the blueline. Also, Lou Lamoriello has said that he will respect Red's suspension and not sign Merrill during this time, but I have to think that if Merrill does decide to part with Michigan, he'd end up with the New Jersey AHL team before the beginning of next season.
October 21st, 2011 at 12:45 AM ^
is it possible it's ncaa/eligibility-related? i don't know anything about hockey rules, but that'd explain why it's out of red's hands. (the other explanation, outside of red's superiors in the AD, is that jon himself is the source of the uncertainty.)
October 21st, 2011 at 11:47 AM ^
It has been indicated that if he keeps up the kind of behavior that got him in trouble here, he'll get in trouble at Plymouth. That would mean this probably isn't anything related to eligibility/academics.
October 21st, 2011 at 12:00 AM ^
October 21st, 2011 at 2:13 AM ^
major off-ice issues at the NTDP....and if it makes anyone feel better he was in class today.
October 21st, 2011 at 1:47 PM ^
What class would that be Tits?
October 21st, 2011 at 2:32 AM ^
I posted this in another thread, but apparently we've lost Gregg brown (listed with two g's) to transfer as well.
October 21st, 2011 at 2:51 AM ^
October 21st, 2011 at 12:10 PM ^
It apparently just happened in the last couple days, but has not been announced yet. Unfortunately I have no link.I have a friend close to the team who told me yesterday. Wish I could prove it now, but well find out in the next few days for real hopefully.
October 21st, 2011 at 8:48 AM ^
I heard he twisted the head of a Spartan hockey player in a scrimage...Clearly Joking
October 21st, 2011 at 11:04 AM ^
because the Spartan called him Tom.
October 21st, 2011 at 9:07 AM ^
Could someone enlighten me on the cause of Merrill's suspension?
October 21st, 2011 at 11:04 AM ^
I don't think we know, and even if there was strong rumours, I don't think it's been kosher in the past to post those kinds of things.
October 21st, 2011 at 11:11 AM ^
Violated a team rule. I believe that's all we know, and probably all we should know
October 21st, 2011 at 11:12 AM ^
Defintely hurts considering how much he contributed last year as a Freshmen. He was a real bright spot at the Big Chill.