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Merica · 06-03-2021, 08:23 PM

[Image: 06524e87906d0baf842bd3396a307114-original.jpg]

Daniel Merica Jr. (right) and Jonathan Hagan.

The SHL draft is right around the corner, always one of the more “hype” times in the SHL cycle, as teams either land their next juggernaut of a player, or utterly bomb it and set their team back potentially several seasons. The Anaheim Outlaws are expected to produce the most first rounders this season, with three of their players (High Haschidi, Jonathan Hagan and Stan Din’Desque) leading the way, and we are going to sit down Jonathan Hagan, and likely 2nd or 3rd rounder Daniel Merica Jr. for a bit of a lightning round in questions to give GMs an idea of who they are, what they should expect in them and their thoughts on a few things. Let’s get it rolling…

Code:
You two both threw yourselves into the spotlight early in the season when you went on the offensive after SHLN posted a pre-season Power Rankings with your team, the Anaheim Outlaws, ranked in last place. With the season over, and the team finishing 30-30, good for 8th, do you think taking issue with this ranking was the right choice and do you think it will cast you in a negative light heading into the draft?

DMJR:
-I took issue with it because it was clear they hadn’t done any real research, they slapped together some rankings based on pre-season, which we all know is when GMs are trying out new lines and playing with tactics, and last season, even though there was roster turnover that had a big impact, so it just seemed like it lacked any real knowledge when it came to Anaheim. Also, I wanted to fire up the team and get them motivated to prove the naysayers wrong, and I think we definitely did that.
JH:
-Yeah, I think it was a fairly brainless ranking, especially considering how hot we started in the season, and the people behind the ranking doubling down. Really when you got down to it, though, I still think we were right with calling that out. We were much better than they thought, and for a few people to take issue with criticizing that sort of thing as we were hot early in the season is, in my opinion, dumb. We proved people wrong, and proved that this team is ready to contend for the next few seasons.

Code:
Both you fell farther in the draft than you expected, and both of you outperformed the majority of your draft class in both production and development, do you foresee the same happening again? Or will teams take notice in the SHL and not repeat the mistakes made by SMJHL GMs?

DMJR:
-I think I’ll definitely fall in the draft, I know some GMs will be skeptical and I totally understand that, I just hope they see that I was dedicated all season, and worked hard to improve in every area. Anyone drafting me is getting someone that is in it for the long haul, so If I fall past the second round I will become the biggest steal in SHL history.
JH:
-I figure that I'll probably fall some, but not as much. Obviously there's family history with party animals, especially my brother, but I don't think it will be as much of a fall as the SMJHL draft. I mean, 37th overall and I've become one of the top prospects in the class, pretty high on the scoring and defensive leaderboards among rookies as well.

Code:
Are there any teams that you are opposed to playing for? If so, why? And any teams you’d prefer over others?

DMJR:
-Only team I don’t wanna play for is whoever has caltroit on their team. Fuck that noise. Outside of that, I’ll pretty much play wherever, I think the best spot for me would be Chicago, since Nike is there and he’s the reason I came back, and there’s several other old heads on that team too. Winnipeg is another place I’d love, and like I said anywhere that doesn’t have caltroit is good with me.
JH:
-I will play pretty much anywhere. There are some places I do not like due to some of the players in their organization, but those know who they are anyway. Being a part of an expansion team would be pretty cool as well, getting to forge some history with one of the new teams, but I'm open to the vast majority of teams.

Code:
Locker room/discord activity is a big thing these days, what will teams get from you in that regard?

DMJR:
-I’m very active in discord, you can ask anyone in Anaheim, and I’m willing to help out anyone that needs it. I’ve been gone a long time and the SHL has changed a lot, but I still bring a lot of knowledge to the table.
JH:
-A guy who'll be talking almost daily, likes to shoot the shit with the guys on his team. I also can be helpful with my experience on SHL, as well as builds, even though my FHM knowledge is a bit lacking, I still feel that I am good at building players.

Code:
Who’s a bigger party animal?

DMJR:
- Probably pretty even, anytime we go out I can’t remember what happened for atleast part of the night. Anytime we party together it’s a hell of a night, safe to say not everyone on Anaheim can hang. But we will find out who’s king at our annual White Trash Bash Beer Olympics.
JH:
-Yeah, I'd call it fairly close, we both can hold our own and like to get after it when we get it going. The team actually had to put in a rule to prevent us from playing drinking games on the same team, after we ran beer pong, beer die, and flip cup for a few weeks.

Code:
How would you feel about playing for one of the expansion teams?

DMJR:
-Id love it, I think it’s a great opportunity to get in the ground floor of a team be apart of building their culture. I also have a thing for bringing teams their first Challenge Cup, so wouldn’t mind adding another to my resume.
JH:
-Guess I jumped the gun on it earlier, but yeah, I'd love to play for one of them. It would be a great experience and great time building up the history and culture of the team, especially being part of their first draft class, and working to bring the team its first of many future Cups.

Code:
Lastly, what goals do you have for your players’ careers?

DMJR:
-I want to win everything, I never got an MVP with DMSR, so looking to change that, and four cups isn’t nearly enough. Anything less than the HOF is a failure in my eyes. But I won’t lie and say “oh no personal achievements don’t matter” because I’m not a liar, I want to break records.
JH:
-Well, I also would like to win anything I can. I want to win a Four Star Cup before I move on to the big leagues, and I would love to win gold medals in both World Juniors and in the IIHF. And of course, I obviously want to win the Challenge Cup. I see myself in the hall of fame down the line, for sure.

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Word Count: 1,229
Please split payout with @CampinKiller.

***WannabeFinn*** · 06-03-2021, 08:26 PM

Can’t miss dynamic duo

***Ace*** · 06-03-2021, 08:31 PM

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