Cole Mertz Rookie Profile [1/2]

[ColeMrtz 571]

Cole Mertz

Goaltender || Detroit, MI

70 in (178 cm)  || 185 lbs (84 kg)

             Right-Handed || Stand-Up Goaltender

 

Overview

    Mertz is one of the top goaltending prospects in the S62 VHLM draft, and has proven himself throughout his minors play. Coming into the VHLM draft class out of the QMJHL playing with the St. John Sea Dogs, he has shown his ability to make outstanding saves and back his team to a very successful season. One of a dying breed of stand-up goaltenders his unique style of play lends itself plenty of attention. Mertz still needs to work on some key aspects of his game in order to make VHL potential, but is expected to develop well in the VHLM.

 

“With some time he’ll undoubtedly leave his mark on the league, incredible talent coming out of the minors this season.” -Johnston

 

Career Highlights

-Won worlds with US Developmental U17 team in the 2015-16 season.

-Shootout win to clinch the division in 2016-17 with St. John.

-Clocked a league high 37 PIM among goalies his 16-17 season with St. John.

-Was the winningest goalie in the league his 2017-18 season with St. John.

 

Stats

US U17 15-16 || GP 41 || SV% .878 || GAA 2.91 || SO 1

St. John 16-17 || GP 46 || SV% .883 || GAA 2.89 || SO 0

St. John 17-18 || GP 50 || SV% .892 || GAA 2.67 || SO 3

 

Pros

-Mertz has been on an upwards trend going into the S62 draft, knowing the VHLM’s jump in skill the numbers aren’t expected to hold but it is expected that he continues to improve at a constant rate throughout his stint in the league.

-Mertz has a strong crease presence and has great sense on the high shots, locking off anything going top shelf.

-Mertz has been able to stop a ridiculous amount of cross crease attempts due to his higher agility and reaction time, making him a valuable backstop for teams with weaker netfront defense..

-His pads are notoriously crispy too.

 

Cons

-Mertz has a weak five hole and has been known to let in a majority of shots from down low, making him susceptible to being screened and point shots.

-Mertz gets beat frequently on the breakaway, making it one of the crucial aspects of his game that needs improvement.

-Mertz gained a reputation for losing his temper in the minors, attempting to initiate fights on multiple accounts and getting caught trying to get away with the occasional trip or slash to those too close to his crease.

-He changes his pads too often.

 

Post-Draft Expectations

    Mertz was drafted in the 4th round (21st overall) to the Halifax 21st in the S62 VHLM Dispersal Draft. He is expected fill the starting goaltender role before the end of the season, although he is in contest with Tyler Smith for the position. To start out the season we expect to see rotating backup between the two young goaltenders. Eventually one will outshine the other we can expect to see a tough contest for the starting position. Mertz is the faster of the two goalies, however Smith has him beat in size and is better rounded out.

Edited August 11, 2018 by ColeMrtz21

[DollarAndADream 3,356]

Review:

Love the picture, and the junior stats added. Makes it look more legit.

Good pros and cons. Frequent breakaway goals, reminds me of some goalies in the NHL.

Awesome RP!