It’s almost sacrilegious to even breathe the word especially in hockey circles, but 371 is the number and counting. That’s how many games Bay Roberts own Dawson Mercer has played consecutively at hockey’s highest level. To possess a consecutive games streak over four and a half years to start an NHL career is truly amazing, but any story involving consecutive games played streaks are unique and don’t happen every day, well I guess they do, don’t they.
Streaks, stats and the analytics side of the game are mainly for fans and writers to mull over admire, appreciate an report on. One thing is clear Dawson Mercer’s style of play, character and consistency were firmly entrenched in his very being growing up on “The Rock.”
371 times in a row. Again, streaks like this aren’t supposed to mentioned or talked about in any sport because if “Bull Duram” taught us anything, “you never f&^k with a streak.”
In this neck of the woods Dawson Mercer’s name doesn’t get mentioned a ton because we are all sort of “Maritimes” centric. The scope of Atlantic Canadians having an impact that the National Hockey League level is incredible. The QMJHL is no doubt ecstatic about their triumphant return to Newfoundland and rightfully so, and players like Dawson Mercer among countless others have played a massive role inspiring the next generation of proud Newfoundlander’s to pursue their hockey dreams.
I’ll never forget the first time I saw Mercer play, he was 15 years old and I was working for the QMJHL CSR as New Brunswick’s regional scout and wrote this report.
Dawson Mercer 6” 155 (C/W)
Potentially the most underrated skilled fwd in the draft, dynamic speed does everything at top speed and is relentless in all three zones, needs to get stronger if he wants to play through the middle at the next level. Potential first line centermen in the league as early as 17. Tons of similarities to that of Nathan Noel, Great knack to get to the net and he finds a way to be engaged every time he steps on the ice. When other guys were getting tired he kept coming, probably the most fit player at combine weekend, has a great engine that never quits. Scoring winger/centermen can definitely score at least 15 to 20, but will need time to adapt to the physicality of the league, but if surrounded by other solid line mates could excel as early as next season.
You can read more about Dawson from my 2019 article written prior to the CHL Top Prospects Game here……https://firstdownsportspodcast.com/2019/11/06/newfoundlands-next-top-nhl-prospect/
Mercer’s ascension to the NHL and the New Jersey Devils organization has had it’s share of ups and downs. Unfortunately, and unjustly his play and offensive contributions have been called into question on a few occasions throughout his short career which clearly hasn’t been warranted if you ask me. Like seriously, what more would you want from a young two-way forward? One could also say that the Devils have had their fair share of ups and downs as an organization over the last four and half seasons as they continue to try to build something special with a very young talented core of players.
Mercer is 7 goals shy of the century mark and one assist shy of that mark as well for his career. The 24-year-old is already a two-time 20 goal scorer and is on pace to reach that mark this season and has amassed 9 points in 15 playoff games. All this and he hasn’t missed a game in four and a half years. Mercer is 5th in scoring amongst his draft class.
371 straight games and counting, now let’s hope we didn’t jinx the streak. The “Ironman” from Bay Roberts continues to impress and inspire. Keep it going Dawson and we promise to never mention the streak again.
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