The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/52988
"I thought there was noticeable ex- citement in his face, the kind you'd expect from someone who almost lost hockey because of some poor choices he made. He took on a lead- ership role, which definitely wasn't one of his strengths coming in. But he brought great enthusiasm, and his teammates fed off of that." The American team did not ful- fill its potential, going 3-3 overall while failing to medal, but Merrill performed on the ice and showed continued maturation off the ice. "Jon logged a lot of minutes and was an effective player for us," Jo- hannson said. "He's got unique ability to play a lot of minutes with a very efficient style of game. His hockey sense is exceptional. "He has the tools and intangibles to be a complete player in all facets, which is a necessary trait to last in professional hockey." While the fans in attendance may have been privy only to Merrill's on- ice performance, Johannson and oth- ers with Team USA were observing him with a scrutinizing eye off the ice. Merrill gave them no reason to be concerned, though, reaffirming his commitment to avoiding the pratfalls that cost him his first semester. "The easy thing would have been for him to leave and sign a contract, and avoid his punishment, but he owned up to his actions," Johannson said. "So I give Jon and Michigan credit for staying committed to each other. Coach Berenson said, 'Here is what has to change and improve,' and Jon did all those things. "We were proud to be a part of that process of getting him back to where he should be." BACK WHERE HE BELONGS Merrill returned from Calgary Jan. 5 unaware of his status. Berenson set up a meeting with Brandon, and all parties began working toward a reinstatement. "I had no form of communication up there — no cell phone, no e-mail — and really had no idea what was going on," Merrill said. "It wasn't for sure that I'd be back for the second semester. "I'm not sure what the discus- sion was between Coach Berenson and the athletic department. I was just willing to do everything and anything." 72 THE WOLVERINE FEBRUARY 2012 Last season, Merrill was named to the All-CCHA second team and CCHA All-Rookie squad after notching seven goals and 18 assists for 25 points. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL Merrill was given the green light only a few hours before Michigan dropped the puck against the Lak- ers. He had little time to dwell on the past three months. He called his dad, and then tried to return to his normal pregame routine. "I had been playing some up in Canada [for World Juniors], but com- ing back here the crowd was chant- ing my name, and to be back home it was a little nerve-wracking," he admitted. "But then I settled down and felt I played pretty well." Junior defenseman Lee Moffie played alongside Merrill the entire weekend, saw the jump in his team- mate's stride, and reaped the benefit of a player voted All-CCHA second team as a freshman. "He's pretty special," Moffie said. "He has that extra patience about him with the puck. It's almost like he's there to bail you out. If you don't have a play, you slide the puck over to him and he's going to make some- thing happen. "The biggest thing you notice is his breakout passes. He just makes the game look so easy." Merrill's presence immediately changes the dynamic of the defensive corps and the team overall. "It's a huge bonus for them to add that caliber of player to their roster in the second half of the season," Roque said. "And as he becomes even more acclimated to his teammates, he'll contribute even more. "I know he can help their power play. They haven't been very suc- cessful there, but he's a quarterback on that blue line that can score and just sets others up for quality scoring chances. "I'm glad we're done with them