Will Merchant to Participate in 2012 All-American Prospects Game

ORONO, Maine -- University of Maine men's ice hockey rookie Will Merchant (Eagan, Minn.) has been selected to participate in the first-ever CCM/USA Hockey 2012 All-American Prospects game, which will be held on Saturday, Sept. 29 in Buffalo, N.Y. The game is designed to feature 40 of the top American draft eligible players for the 2013 National Hockey League Draft. 

Merchant will play for Team Housley in the game, coached by hockey great Phil Housley. He is one of three current Hockey East players to play in the game. Frank Vatrano of Boston College will join Merchant on Team Housley. Matt Lane, who will play for Boston University this season, is on the other squad, Team McClanahan. 

Merchant comes to the Black Bears after an impressive career at Eagan High School. He scored 69 goals and dished out 59 assists for 128 points during his final three season, which ranks second most all-time. Merchant was a Mr. Hockey Finalist. He was named to the 2012 Star Tribune All-Metro Team and an All-Conference selection. 

Merchant and the Black Bears open the 2012 season when they host Quinnipiac on Oct. 6 at Alfond Arena. 

-U-M-