Icemen add Mersch, Bignell

Action photos of Dominick Mersch and Luke Bignell

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Icemen, ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Buffalo Sabres and the American Hockey League’s Rochester Americans, announced that the team has agreed to terms with rookie forwards Dominick Mersch and Luke Bignell for the 2023-24 season.

Mersch joins the Icemen after wrapping up a five-year collegiate career at the University of Wisconsin last season. The 24-year-old totaled 37 career points and captained the Badgers during the 2022-23 season. Following graduation this past spring, Mersch made his professional debut with the AHL’s Chicago Wolves, appearing in two games. Mersch’s brother, Michael, is entering his fourth season with the Americans.

Bignell heads to Jacksonville after recording 14 points (7g-7a) in 25 games last season with the University of Guelph. The 22-year-old added an additional six points in 14 games for the Gryphons during the 2021-22 season. Prior to his collegiate career, the Kingston, Ontario resident played three major junior seasons with the Ontario Hockey League’s Barrie Colts, serving as captain for two seasons.