08-11-2013, 05:19 PM
![[Image: patrick-kane.jpg]](http://thebiglead.fantasysportsven.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/patrick-kane.jpg)
Merica after scoring his league leading 23rd goal.
If you thought Daniel Merica would go a whole season without finding a way to spread his always politically incorrect thoughts or to trash talk opposing players, you were wrong. It doesn't help any that he's dominating, fueling his already massive ego.
32 games into the season and the Prince George Firebirds find themselves on the brink of being eliminated from playoff contention. That usually is a downer for most people, but not Daniel Merica. Currently, he leads the league points, goals, assists and points per 20 minutes, all while posting a +8. Talking to him, the whole "team concept" doesn't really seem to find its way into his hard head. "This is the juniors, this is about personal performance. If wins coincide with that, great, but I sure won't lose sleep at night if I'm leading the league in everything and my team isn't doing so hot, because I know that I am doing everything I can to contribute. Is that selfish of me? I don't think so. You spend two seasons in juniors, tops, unless you suck, then you come back. Juniors isn't all about the team, regardless of what anyone told you. Its a dog eat dog world. I love my teammates and would do anything for them, so don't misconstrue my intentions here. But the bottom line is the SHL isn't looking for a team player in the juniors, their looking for someone who stands above the rest and does his job better then the person next to him."
Merica's comments drew a lot of scrutiny from the SHL Media world, chastising him for his arrogance and lack of undestanding regarding the team concept. But, regardless of your personal opinion, you can't deny the truth in his statement. The SMJHL is a stepping stone into the SHL, if you don't play well, your not making it. I think there is a fine line between looking after your butt and being a team player. Its a slippery edge, but one that is there nonetheless. Merica also said this "The Kings know me, they know what kind of person I am, they know that I am devoted to this organization. Once in the SHL, everything changes. In the pro's, it becomes more about the team, winning games, less about personal performance. Yes, I will always care about how I play, and will always be trying to put up all the points I can, that never goes away, but team is actually relevant, because now your all on the same page, your all in the big leagues, all playing your heart out for a championship. Won't lie to you, winning the SMJHL championship doesn't mean shit to me, I have my sights set on things much higher then winning a second fiddle title. It's like winning the NIT in college basketball, who really cares?"
While he satisified some with his team comments in that portion, he only angered another group of people. Still, once again, his points are valid, and they are true, just no one is willing to step up and admit they feel the same way- but we know they do.
And, of course, he couldn't have an interview with discussing his current season. After asked how he has been able to dominate this season, he responded with this: "Being better then everyone else...haha, jokes...well sort of. Simply put, I've put in the time. I'm playing at the highest level of my career and I am only getting better. As far as the SMJHL is concerned, there is no one close to my production thus far. I lead every major offensive category, and despite people harping on my defense last season, I've improved there as well. Coming back to the Juniors was the best decision I could have made, its allowed me to get where I need to be to go the SHL next season. I had someone ask me the other night if I thought I should be the MVP, and I said to him, "My perfomance speaks for itself, just look at the seperation between 1 and 2". "
And there you have it. Merica is back in the media world after a brief break from the press lights. Bringing with him controversy, once again.
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