Mersch has been the ideal veteran leader for Amerks By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA The American Hockey League has billed itself as the world’s best development league for better than two decades, and the accomplishments of the young stars are front-and-center when it comes to showcasing talent. But the veteran leaders remain a critical part of the development process, which is why Rochester Americans coach Seth Appert is so happy to have The seventh-year veteran forward has been the Amerks most consistent player, is one point off the team scoring lead (7-8-15) and is unquestionably the veteran to emulate. “He’s unbelievable; I absolutely love him and I consider it a real privilege to get to coach in my first year of coaching pro hockey,” Appert said Friday night following a 7-5 loss to the Utica Comets, when Mersch scored two goals and set up two others.