Daniel Hauser’s job on the ice isn’t easy as he’s tasked with stopping as many shots as possible in net. Despite it not being easy, the 15-year-old has done a solid job and heading into the WHL Bantam Draft, he garnered some definite interest.
After it was all said and done, the team that was most interested was the Winnipeg ICE, as they chose Hauser in the 6th round, 120th overall on May 2.
The native of Chestermere, Alberta was Winnipeg’s fourth selection and he was the team’s lone goaltender pick.
“It was a huge honour being drafted by the ICE,” said Hauser. “Going into the day I was really excited. It’s such a great feeling that I was drafted by such a first-class organization.”
Daniel was the 11th goalie drafted. Just like May 2 was a day that Daniel will never forget, so was June 1. He signed his first ever WHL Standard Player Agreement with the organization.
“Yeah, that was very exciting for my family and me, it was a huge honour once again,” added Hauser. “Everything from the staff to the facilities, it’s all first-class. Everyone wants to see me develop as a player on the ice and as a person off the ice; it’s such a fantastic organization.”
Although Daniel knows being drafted and signed was a big couple of steps towards his goal of making the WHL, he also knows a lot of hard work is needed moving forward.
“My mentality is this is just the beginning. I still have a lot of work to put in and I want to show them that signing me was the right decision,” said Hauser. “I have to keep working hard to give myself a chance at having success.”
Daniel played this past season with the Edge School Bantam Prep team. He suited up in 23 games and posted a 3.00 goals against average to go along with a .911 save percentage. He also played one game with the Elite 15’s team where he posted a .935 save percentage.
Hauser also played for the Western Canada Selects U15 team at the World Selects Invitational this past season and he was hard to beat.
In six games, Daniel sported a 1.63 goals against average and a .919 save percentage.
One of Daniel’s strengths is his mobility and athleticism in and around the crease. That allows him to make saves that perhaps some netminders can’t. With his strengths come weaknesses as he works to be the best goalie possible.
“One thing I really need to improve is my puck handling. That’s a big skill that really helps the defencemen and team in general,” added Hauser.
Daniel will remain in Alberta next season. He will play for the Edge School Midget Prep team after cracking the roster.
“I’m really excited and proud, making the team was my goal and I achieved it,” added Hauser. “It’s going to be really big in my development and I can’t wait for the season to start.”
When it comes to making his ICE debut, Daniel has his own timeline.
“I need to really push myself this season and get better,” said Hauser. “After that, I plan on going to camp and hopefully, I can make it as a 16-year-old. If not, I’ll go back and have the same goal as a 17-year-old.”
Hauser had nine of Edge’s 14 wins this past season. He was also credited with two assists. Daniel’s teammate, Rieger Lorenz, was also drafted by Winnipeg.
