PAUSECAST: Devils Defenseman, Dakota Mermis, Joins our Podcast

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For the fourth episode of the Devils Official Pausecast, our guest is Devils defenseman, Dakota Mermis.

Dakota Mermis went back home to Illinois during the NHL pause and reflected about the days following the league's decision to stop the season due to COVID-19.

"That was a weird time, definitely a lot of uncertainty, day-to-day even hour-to-hour things developed and changed so much" said Mermis. "Initially no one really knew if guys were going to go home or stay. We stayed in Jersey for about a week until we kind of got word it would be a longer event here. We went back to Binghamton to close up some loose ends there and then made the drive back to our home here just outside of St. Louis."

Mermis was on a three-game points streak, including his first NHL goal, when the season paused. He discussed how the team felt about the recent success in the last part of the season.

"From a team perspective we were really happy with how things were going as of late. For me having being a part of that, seeing things going in the right direction," said Mermis. "I was really enjoying my opportunity and significant ice time, playing time. It felt like I was really able to contribute well and gaining steam."

New Jersey Devils Official Podcast · Dakota Mermis: "Pausecast" - Episode 5

Dakota Mermis joined the Devils organization in the off-season and he discussed what drew him to sign with the franchise.

"The strong emphasis that they showed in family first, and certainly their desire to grow a culture of close knit guys that could play hockey and win. I think they made a lot of good steps with that, obviously a bit of a disappointing year, but you see the success that Binghamton had down the stretch. That was the biggest thing, their desire to bring in top-notch people but also top-notch players."

Mermis grew up in the St Louis area and reflected on why there has been some strong hockey talent hailing from the area.

"St Louis hockey as a whole has grown so much," said Mermis. "You see more and more players from each age group growing."

"It's good in the summers, there's a good group of guys that come back. There's always good skates and good workout groups. It's a great sports city and certainly a great hockey city as well."

During the offseason, Mermis is big on spending his free time with his dogs or outside.

"When we're home we like being outside," said Mermis. "We like to do some hiking, a big part of the summer is getting out on different lakes and bring our paddle boards out. Cruising around the lakes and just hanging out."

Mermis also discussed how the need to stay in shape has brought him another project for his home.

"I think just trying to stay in shape. I always wanted a home gym in my house here so, that's kind of been something that's been a little project," said Mermis. "Just working out at home, trying to stay in shape as best you can, and hoping that we can get back on the ice."

When reflecting back on his career and all the different stops he has had so far, Mermis talked about the experience and the journey that brought him to New Jersey.

"It's crazy, it's more than you can count quickly that's for sure. While you're in the midst of it you don't necessarily realize it and then once things slow down you're like holy cow," said Mermis. "It's been a wild ride to get where I am, and different sacrifices and tough decisions along the way to end up here."

"We're very grateful for all the memories we have with it."