Our Mission
The IYF Hockey mission is to develop hockey players by teaching proper fundamentals that apply to in game situations and make players believe their dreams are attainable with dedication.
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In Your Face Hockey was founded to give young players the chance to learn from professional and high-level athletes, helping them achieve their goals and reach the next level. Michael and Dominick Mersch started the program to share the knowledge and experience they’ve gained throughout their careers, mentoring the next generation of well-rounded hockey players on and off the ice.
Our Founders
Michael Mersch
Founder & IYF Hockey Development Coach
Recently retired, Mike played 10 years of professional hockey at the NHL & AHL level and learned from the best skills, development and hockey coaches in the sport. Michael’s hockey sense has allowed him to blend and use the knowledge he has gained to refine his own game and pass it on to young aspiring players. The game is constantly evolving and keeping up with current trends in hockey is a concept Mike takes pride in.
Michael understands each player is unique and has a different skill set. To maximize full potential, basic fundamentals need to be instilled in the player so these fundamentals become habitual in games. No matter the area a player needs to improve upon, Michael’s hockey background and experience gives him the ability to pass along his knowledge to give others a chance to develop their game.
Team Experience
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National Team Development Program
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University of Wisconsin-Madison (NCAA)
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Ontario Reign, Texas Stars, Rochester Americans (AHL)
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Los Angeles Kings (NHL)
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Player Dev and Skills Coach: Chicago Steel (USHL)
“Merschy is the ultimate pro. He has an incredible daily work ethic on and off the ice. This has earned him the opportunity to play over 600 games of pro hockey between the NHL and the AHL. He is also a great role model for our younger players and our high NHL draft picks. He shows them in his actions what it truly means to be a pro while exemplifying the work ethic, competitiveness and details they will need to make it to the NHL.”
- Seth Appert, Buffalo Sabres (NHL)
Dominick Mersch
Founder & IYF Hockey Development Coach
Dominick concluded his professional in 2024 with the Jacksonville Icemen (ECHL). After his time as captain of University of Wisconsin Hockey, Dominick signed with the Chicago Wolves (AHL). Dominick also played with MIke in Rochester for the Americans (AHL) as the two teamed up for a goal completing a dream of playing together. Dominick played 3 years for the Lincoln Stars in the USHL where he earned a scholarship to UW-Madison, before eventually turning pro after college.
Dominick’s experience working hockey camps and academies in prior years has prompted his passion for developing young players. Dominick’s connection with coaches at the AAA, USHL, NCAA level along with his own experience, give him insight on how to get to the next level. Dominick recognizes the patience required to develop and realizes players need to enjoy the process.
Team Experience
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Lincoln Stars (USHL)
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University of Wisconsin-Madison (NCAA)
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Chicago Wolves, Rochester Americans (AHL)
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Jacksonville Icemen (ECHL)
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Coach: Wisconsin Badger Hockey Camps
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Coach: North Shore Hockey Development Academy
"Playing with Dom has been a pleasure. Seeing his attention to detail day in and day out no matter if it be a game, practice, or in the gym has pushed me to make sure I am executing and working at a high level. He is a competitor and is one of the most energetic and positive guys that I have played with and is crucial to our team success. He is a great teammate and a great friend!"
- Cole Caufield, NHL & Montreal Canadiens 1st round pick
Our PAST CAMP Guests
Jesse Compher
USA Olympian, Toronto Sceptres (PWHL)
From Northbrook, IL, developed her game with the Chicago Mission before excelling at Boston University and finishing her collegiate career at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and as a key member of USA Hockey, she has represented the United States at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, competed in multiple IIHF events, and now plays professionally with the Toronto Sceptres in the PWHL.
Team Experience
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Chicago Mission (AAA)
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Boston University & UW-Madison (NCAA)
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US Women's National Team
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2022 USA Olympic Women's Hockey
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Toronto Sceptres (PWHL)
Michael Houser
NHL, AHL
From Youngstown, OH, Michael Houser advanced from Pittsburgh-area youth hockey to the USHL and OHL—where he earned OHL Goalie of the Year and Most Outstanding Player honors with the London Knights—before signing with the Florida Panthers and continuing his professional career in the AHL and ECHL, highlighted by NHL appearances and wins with the Buffalo Sabres.
Team Experience
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Lincoln Stars (USHL)
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London Knights, Erie Otters (OHL)
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Rochester Americans, Cleveland Monsters, Ontario Reign (AHL)
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Buffalo Sabres (NHL)
“Michael Houser is a person of high character. His unwavering commitment to his team, his intense drive and willingness to do whatever is needed to improve is what allows him to be successful. Michael brings a level of genuineness which would make him excellent to share his knowledge with our young aspiring goalies.”
-Seamus Kotyk, Goaltending Development Buffalo Sabres
Hugh Mcging
NHL, AHL
From Chicago, IL, Hugh McGing advanced from AA with the Park Ridge Express to AAA and the USHL before captaining Western Michigan in his senior season, and after being selected 138th overall by the St. Louis Blues in the 2018 NHL Draft, he has developed in the AHL and earned NHL experience with both the St. Louis Blues and the Colorado Avalanche.
Team Experience
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Cedar Rapids Roughriders (USHL)
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Western Michigan University (NCAA)
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Springfield Thunderbirds, Colorago Eagles, Utica Comets (AHL)
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St. Louis Blues, Colorado Avalanche (NHL)
"I had the privilege of playing with Hugh at Western Michigan. Hugh just had so much fun and enjoyed coming to the rink every day. His energy is contagious and when the game is on the line Hughy will do whatever it takes for the team to win."​
- Mattias Samuelson, Defenseman (Buffalo Sabres)
Tory Dello
AHL, ELH - Czechia
Tory Dello grew up playing for the Chicago Mission at the AAA level. He was drafted by the Tri-City Storm where he played 4 seasons with the club and served as their captain. Tory entered University of Notre Dame where he continued to develop his game. After finishing his Senior season with ND, he signed his first pro contract with the Grand Rapids Griffins. Tory completed his 2nd season with the Laval Rocket of the AHL, where he established himself as a mainstay on their defensive core.
Team Experience
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Tri‑City Storm (USHL)
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University of Notre Dame (NCAA)
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Grand Rapids Griffins, Laval Rocket, Chicago Wolves, Utica Comets (AHL)
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HC Energie Karlovy Vary (ELH, Czechia)
Wyatt Kalynuk
NHL, AHL, KHL
Growing up in Manitoba, Wyatt Kalynuk progressed through the USHL before playing at the University of Wisconsin. He has since advanced to the professional level with the Chicago Blackhawks while also gaining experience in the AHL, Finland’s Liiga with the Lahti Pelicans, and the KHL with the Shanghai Dragons.
Team Experience
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Lincoln Stars, Bloomington Thunder (USHL)
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University of Wisconsin-Madison (NCAA)
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Rockford Icehogs, Abbotsford Canucks, Hartford Wolf Pack, Springfield Thunderbirds (AHL)
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Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)
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Lahti Pelicans (Liiga, Finland)
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Shanghai Dragons (KHL)