Justin Mercier
Justin L. Mercier (born June 25, 1987) is an American former professional ice hockey left wing who played in the National Hockey League with the Colorado Avalanche. Playing career Amateur Mercier was drafted 168th overall in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft by the Colorado Avalanche. Mercier was drafted from the United States National Development Team Program after previously playing with the St. Louis Heartland Eagles in the USHL. Mercier committed to Miami University in the summer of 2004, and after recording 10 points in his freshman year, Mercier developed into an aggressive scoring forward in the following years for Miami. As a senior Mercier was named the West regional MVP as he helped guide the Redhawks to the Frozen Four, losing the 2008–09 National Championship game 4–3 in overtime to Boston University. Professional On July 10, 2009, Mercier was signed to a three-year entry level contract with the Colorado Avalanche. Mercier was then assigned to the Avalanche's AHL affiliate, the Lake Erie Monsters, to start his first professional season in 2009–10. Expected to provide an energetic, physical presence, Mercier got off to a slow start recording a single assist in 24 games with Lake Erie before he was surprisingly recalled