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.
What makes hockey unique is the game's ability to offer opportunity to succeed and reward those who work for it. There is no better feeling than grinding towards goal, whether big or small, and reaching that goal. In Your Face Hockey was established to give young hockey players access to learn from professional and high-end hockey players to help them attain their goals and get to the next level.
Michael and Dominick Mersch came up with the idea for In Your Face Hockey because they want to pass on the knowledge and experience they have gained throughout their careers to aspiring players. Their experience has given them insight on how to become a well-rounded hockey player both on and off the ice. Michael and Dominick are excited for the chance to mentor and give back to the next generation of hockey players!
Our Founders
Michael Mersch
Founder & IYF Hockey Development Coach
To date, Mike has played 9 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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Player: National Team Development Program
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Player: University of Wisconsin-Madison
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Player: American Hockey League
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Player: National Hockey League
“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 400 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, USA NTDP (Former) & Rochester Americans (American Hockey League)
Dominick Mersch
Founder & IYF Hockey Development Coach
Dominick is currently playing professionally for the Jacksonville Icemen (ECHL). After finishing out his career as captain of the University of Wisconsin, Dominick signed with the Chicago Wolves (AHL). Dominick also earned the opportunity to play 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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Player: Lincoln Stars (USHL)
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Player: University of Wisconsin-Madison (NCAA)
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Player: Chicago Wolves & Rochester Americans (AHL)
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Player: 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
At Camp June 6th
Jesse grew up playing hockey in Northbrook, IL and eventually joined the Chicago Mission. Jesse earned a scholarship to Boston University where she excelled during her four years. Along with playing collegiately Jesse is a key member of USA Hockey. She represented the United States at the 2022 Beijing Olympics and has played in multiple IIHF events.
Team Experience
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Player: Chicago Mission (AAA)
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Player: Boston University
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Player: US Women's National Team
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Player: 2022 USA Olympic Women's Hockey
Michael Houser
At Camp June 6th-9th
From Youngtown, OH, Michael Houser grew up playing youth hockey in the Pittsburgh area until he was drafted by the Des Moines Buccaneers of the USHL. After his 1st season in Des Moines, Michael was offered an opportunity to join the London Knights (Ontario Hockey League). Houser enjoyed 3 successful seasons with London in the OHL where he was named OHL Goalie of the Year and OHL Most Outstanding Player. He was signed by the Florida Panthers and has continued his success at the professional level for the past 10 seasons.
Team Experience
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Player: United States Hockey League (USHL)
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Player: Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
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Player: American Hockey League
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Player: National Hockey League
“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
At Camp June 7th
From Chicago, IL, McGing began playing AA hockey for the Park Ridge Express. Hugh’s speed & skill has allowed him to advance his career to AAA, USHL & beyond. Eventually, Hugh committed to Western Michigan where he was captain during his Senior Season. Drafted by the St. Louis Blues with the 138th pick in the 2018 NHL Draft, Hugh McGing is developing in the AHL with his sights set on making the St. Louis Blues NHL roster!
Team Experience
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Player: Cedar Rapids Roughriders (USHL)
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Player: Western Michigan University
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Player: American Hockey League
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Player: National Hockey League
"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
At Camp June 8th
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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Player: United States Hockey League (USHL)
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Player: University of Notre Dame
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Player: American Hockey League
Wyatt Kalynuk
At Camp June 9th
Growing up in Manitoba, Wyatt considered playing Major Junior in the WHL, but aspired to earn his college degree while pursuing his dream of making the NHL. Wyatt found himself playing in the USHL before joining University of Wisconsin, where he played for 4 years. Wyatt now is a member of the Chicago Blackhawks.
Team Experience
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Player: United States Hockey League (USHL)
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Player: University of Wisconsin-Madison
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Player: American Hockey League
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Player: National Hockey League