Finn Mercer

[Steve 2,060]

Finn Mercer

 

 

In the beginning

Finn was a product of Clinton and Mary Mercer. He was their first child of three. Finn has two younger sisters separated by a couple of years. Making him the older big brother that they both looked up to. Being the big brother can bring challenges at times in younger years. Should he play with his toy cars or have a tea party. Fortunately, he managed to do both and make his sisters admire him even more. He did draw the line when they wanted to all dress up like princesses. He was a good brother, a protective brother and above all else, developed a strong sense of family. A good trait to learn when you are young. It is also a trait that is transferable throughout life, as he will find out later in his life. School wasn't too much of an issue for Finn, he was about average and passed his classes despite playing hockey with his friends almost every minute that he could.

Finn, at the young age of 10, really wasn't extra tall or stronger than his friends, he was just a big boned lad for now, that would change in a big way very soon.

 

Early teens

Life would change for Finn by the time he hit the squeaky voice age. He was a member of the high school hockey team, just having fun. Not really thinking of his future or being a hockey player. It wasn't until he was approached by his coach/math teacher about meeting a scout from some college. Finn of course said yes and the meeting took place. It wasn't anything special at the time for Finn, he had no idea where or what he wanted to be once he grew up.

The meeting was going to change all that. Boston college wanted to help Finn train, no strings attached. This was just the very early step in his hockey future that just meant he would meet with a trainer for free. How could he pass that up. His parents left it up to him, whatever choice he made, they were supportive. Of course his sisters, his small fan club, were really happy that Finn was going to work with a trainer. Funny how young sisters can be so much fun.

Let the training begin. He met with a big man named Claude, with a face that has seen battle. He was the nicest person, despite looking like he could rip your head off. Their relationship started, let the trail by fire begin. Apparently, before you can be trained, the trainer needs to know what skills you have and don't have. After several brutal drills, something Finn never had to do before and made him think about his life choices, Claude had a good idea what he was working with. His conclusion wasn't too bad. He saw a young growing boy that showed some skills, and a lack of skills. He sat down with Finn and talked about a path forward that could lead to a very bright future in the game of hockey, plus get an education. A plan for his future was laid out before him, time the think things over with the family.

 

Late teens

Finn worked with the plan Claude laid out, his family thought he made a great choice. His family were struggling with the idea of sending three kids through college. This was at least some relief if Finn could prove that he had what it would take to continue down this path. His drive became more focused and his body went through that awkward stage and into a hulk of a man. His dad was tall and had some muscle to him. It looks like Finn took it a step or two farther as he was growing into a large man with some mass. All the training and workouts he went through seem to unleash what appeared to be a good hockey player body. If only his skills could catch up to his physical size, it would be impressive. Though you may look good in the shower, you need to be good on the ice. He will soon be able to show the trainers and coach where he was compared to a young Boston college team. Finn was invited to a showcase/scouting event that would showoff his skills or expose his lack of skills. Let the games begin.

Finn was a friendly sort of kid/young man, so making friends wasn't an issue. He was well liked by most that met him. That is a good start. One thing that stood out to the different coaches was his size compared to most everyone on the team. He showed just how big he was in full gear and on the ice with the other players on display. He wasn't the tallest, he was the strongest. His skating was on par and had excellent stick handling. He seems to see the ice well and can make a pass. Though he didn't have a big booming shot, he could wrist a shot faster than you could see. Accuracy would come with ice time and a bit more aging, the skills where there. He made the team, moved to Boston and had a great hockey career on that level. He studied to be a physical therapist. Something he wanted to do, help others.

Now onto the professional league, maybe.

 

 

VHL era

Finn was scouted by a few teams from the VHL. Not sure if moving away to try his luck at hockey as a career was what he wanted to do, he thought he should be open to the idea to know if that was the right choice. He could always move back home and pursue what his studied to be.

 

The Las Vegas Aces gave him a pitch, the hook was set. Living where there wasn't any snow seemed like a great idea. Now a rookie on a team in the VHL's minor league. Time will tell if he made the right choice. Finn will work hard to succeed, that much is known. Will he succeed in a very competitive league? Time will tell.