Michigan’s Merrill suspended 12 games by Wolverines

Sophomore Michigan defenseman Jon Merrill has been suspended for the first 12 games of the season due to a violation of team rules.

“Jon has an obligation to the team and he did not live up to those responsibilities,” said Michigan coach Red Berenson in a statement. “He needs to be accountable to his teammates and this program both on the ice, around campus and in the community.”

Merrill, who posted 25 points (seven goals, 18 assists) as a freshman in 2010-11, will be eligible to return to the team at Miami on Friday, Nov. 11. He was a second-round draft pick of the New Jersey Devils in 2010 and was also suspended during his time with the U.S. National Team Development Program.