June 11, 2009

OXFORD, Ohio -

This is the 1st in a series of 13 features about Miami University's brightest student-athletes. Their exceptional academic performance during the recently completed spring semester earned them a spot on the roster of the RedHawks' exclusive Straight A Team. In addition to their rigorous schedules on the athletic fields, each of these individuals earned a perfect 4.0 grade-point average this past semester.

If someone asked recent Miami graduate Justin Mercier his opinion of his last year in Oxford, it would be hard to imagine his response being anything short of "amazing."
   
Not only did the former forward on Miami's hockey team help the RedHawks reach their first NCAA national championship game, but he also became just the 42nd player to join the 100-point club while earning a 4.0 GPA in his final semester at Miami. Not a bad way to go out.

Mercier served as an integral part of a Miami Ice Hockey program that was more than just a team. It was a way of life, a community, "The Brotherhood." This mentality bonded the RedHawks together in nearly every capacity, on the ice and off. Its message was lived through each and every RedHawk player and helped shape one of the most successful athletic programs in recent Miami history.

In his four years on the ice at Miami, Mercier served as one of the most potent offensive weapons in the fold for Coach Enrico Blasi. He saw prominent increases in goal and point totals as the years progressed, including nearly doubling his point production between his sophomore and junior years from 25 to 40, while increasing his goal totals from 10 to 25. His career numbers are etched on Miami's career annals, including points (104; t-39th), games played (157; 3rd), short-handed goals (6; t-3rd) and game-winning goals (10; t-5th).

But Mercier's success at Miami was not limited to the Goggin Ice Center. Majoring in finance, Mercier graduated with a 3.37 GPA. In his final semester at Miami he was one of just 13 athletes to achieve a 4.0 GPA. When asked what contributed to his success academically, Mercier praised both the efforts of his teammates and his own level of focus.

"I think that our team was really determined to accomplish great things this season and when you are trying to physically prepare your body for something like that, going Uptown and things of that nature aren't in your best interest. This left me a lot of time to focus on my school work and get the job done. My teachers were also extremely understanding when I had to miss a day or two for hockey, so by communicating with them I was able to make sure all my work was completed."

But beyond focus and effort, Mercier attributes much of his success, both on and off the ice, to the "Brotherhood" mentality that has been fostered within the locker room.

"I definitely feel like the Brotherhood has a huge impact on everyone in that locker room. It's a way of life. Our coaches tell us to be the best we can be both on and off the ice and I think that greatly contributes to the reason why our team has had a cumulative GPA over 3.0 for a few years now."

Now that Mercier has graduated from Miami, his plans for the long term are quite simple. "I've played this sport since I was three, so I'm going to try to play it as long as possible and hopefully make a career out of it."

Mercier will have a pretty good shot at making his plans a reality. Mercier was a sixth-round draft pick of the Colorado Avalanche in 2005. He is currently living in Minnesota training and preparing for his chance to compete in professional hockey. If his time at Miami was any indication of what the future holds for Justin Mercier, then one can safely assume that success will only continue to follow this bright young star.
 
STRAIGHT A TEAM
Name: Justin Mercier
Hometown/HS: Erie, Pa./USNTDP-18
Year: Graduated, May 2009
Major: Finance
Spring Semester GPA: 4.0
Notables: 42nd member of Miami's 100-point club; his 104 points rank t-39th in the Miami record book; Ranks third all-time in career games played (157), tied for third in short-handed goals (6) and tied for fifth in game-winning goals (10). First RedHawk to achieve 100 points and 100 wins.
Mercier's favorite Miami athletic memory: "Winning championships always has to be up at the top, so my freshman year holds a special place for me when we won the CCHA regular-season title, but I will say that my favorite was helping the first team in Miami history make it to and play for a national championship."