Coach Mergen enters his 14th season with the BHBS Varsity Hockey Program as an assistant coach on Jim Buffoline’s staff.
Coach 'Mergs' works primarily with the offense. In addition, Coach Mergen assists Coach Buffoline with bench management, opponent scouting, and skill development.
As a Level 5 Certified Coach though USA Hockey, Mergen tries to incorporate different motivational techniques to get the most out the student athletes at Burnt Hills/Ballston Spa. More specifically, developing good training habits and mental toughness in order to maintain performance on the ice and in the classroom.
During the off season, Mergen assists with the team’s summer programs.
Off the ice, Mergen maintains the team’s website and assists with scheduling.
A lifelong resident of Niskayuna, NY, Mergen has been coaching various levels of hockey for the past 23 years:
- Section 2 HS Development 18U - Schenectady Youth Hockey
- Section 2 18U Elite - Adirondack Youth Hockey
- Section 2 18U Elite - Schenectady Youth Hockey - NYSAHA Finalist
- Section 2 16U Elite - Schenectady Youth Hockey - NYSAHA Semi Finalist
- 18U - Schenectady Youth Hockey
- 14U - Schenectady Youth Hockey - NYSAHA Qualified for NYS tournament
- 8U - Schenectady Youth Hockey
- 21+ Adult Women’s Hockey in Clifton Park, NY
Robert currently resides in Niskayuna, NY with his wife Kimberly and their two children, Thomas and Sophia.
