Dogs defenceman seeing Stars
ST. CATHARINES — Luke Mercer’s off- season has gone from worse to better.
The Niagara IceDogs defenceman was understandably disappointed when he was passed over in the National Hockey League entry draft, but is feeling much better about his future after a solid showing at the Dallas Stars 2012 Development Camp recently.
“It was great. It was a lot of fun,” said Mercer, an 18-year-old Toronto native. “There were a lot of guys with really good talent and I thought I showed myself really well there against good competition.
“It kind of gave me a little insight into what the prospects are and how the NHL works.”
Mercer, a former first- round pick of the IceDogs in the Ontario Hockey League draft, spent a week in Dallas with other free agents and draft picks, including IceDogs teammates Jamie Oleksiak and Brett Ritchie.
The prospects worked on skill development on the ice and also were put through their paces off the ice, including some mixed martial arts training.
“I thought I did well. It showed me that I can play with these guys and that I’m right up there with them,” said Mercer, who had 14 points and a strong plus32 rating in 65 regular season games last season.
“It’s alright I didn’t get drafted because playing with these guys game me a good feeling.”
Mercer admitted the invitation to camp gave him a muchneeded boost of self confidence.
“Knowing I didn’t get drafted, I was hoping to get invited to a camp or two,” he said. “It gave me the confidence I lost when I didn’t get drafted.
“It’s not the worst thing to happen because now 30 teams can look at you instead of one. There are positives to it. Getting drafted is the best compliment you can get, but of the world.”
Mercer said he received some encouraging feedback from the Stars.
“They thought I did really good,” Mercer said. “Of the free agents, they told me they thought I was one of the best ones there.
it’s not the end They thought I was very quick and had a good hockey IQ. I was right up there with the speed and the hockey sense, they just obviously told me to get bigger.
“The size is the big thing when you see me against Oleksiak and the bigger guys.”
IceDogs coach/general man-
Training camp is slated to open Tuesday, Aug. 28.… According to CapGeek. com,, Ritchie’s contract is for three years and worth $ 2.535 millon. Ritchie will make $70,000 in the AHL and $ 792,500 in the NHL next season. He also received a bonus of $ 277,500 spread over three years.