By Mark Newman | Ah, beat
Sirius is the smartest star in the night sky, as a potential customer of the potential galaxy of the Detroit Red Wings, Grand Rapids Griffins Center Nate Danielson As serious as they are.
At the age of 20, Alta’s Red Deer, a local, focused on proving that Red Wings made the right decision with the ninth pick in the 2023 NHL admission draft.
Danielson’s words are soft and gratifying, and Danielson has clear goals beyond his years. While others of his generation may stare like they are from the wrong end of the telescope, Danielson seems to be fixed on something that might one day push him into the NHL, if not a complete star.
Take his reading materials as an example. After seeing videos of super sports athletes David GogginsDanielson picks up his memoir Can’t hurt me: Master your thoughts and resist odds. It tells the story of how Goggins overcomes poverty, prejudice and physical abuse, becoming the only person in history to complete the elite training as a Navy SEAL, Army Rangers and Air Force Tactical Air Control Party official.
“He went through some extreme circumstances and I felt the whole book was about whether you really feel at ease and you’re going to be able to do that,” Danielson explained. “It’s what I want to do. I want to be a Hockey player, so that’s my point.”
As long as he could remember, he was pushing Danielson’s mind, rather than normal motivation and determination.
“I have an older brother, Noahwho is playing hockey, I looked up to him when I was young. “He recalled. “I wanted to be like him, and that’s how I started.” ”
His electrical engineer father markplayed hockey, his dental hygiene mother Jennaplayed the ringtones, so by the age of 4, Nate was already in ice skates naturally.
“Growing up, our pond was only a five-minute walk from our house,” he said. “It was my start with my brother and dad on the outdoor ice rink. My dad loved getting us through the outdoor ice rink. Or just practice and stuff on the garage. We always have a shooting tarp so we can drive a puck in the garage.”
Danielson participated in the job but never envisioned being a first-round NHL draft pick.
“We played hockey all winter and then we were still playing hockey all spring because that’s what I wanted to do,” he said. “That’s how I grew up. Only when I was growing up did I realize that It’s probably what I can do. Even now, it’s still fun to play hockey. It doesn’t feel like a job.”
By the age of 13, Danielsen was already playing U-15 hockey. Competing with two-year-olds, his progress in junior hockey and professionals proved to be very favorable.
“When you fight against older kids, it makes you better,” he said. “It makes a big difference. It’s more of a challenge.”
This experience helped Danielson prepare junior hockey, playing for Brandon and Portland in the Western Hockey League. In Brandon’s last two seasons, he was the captain.
“I feel like I’ve always been a leader,” he said. “Once I was appointed as captain, I didn’t really change. Obviously, it’s an honor to be captain of any team, but I don’t feel like I have to do anything special Something about it.”
Danielson is also able to play a few WHL games with his brother, who is playing for Medicine Hat.
“We never grew up with each other. Our parents and grandparents were able to come, so it was cool.”
Danielson is also a member of the Canadian team at Sweden’s 2024 IIHF World Youth Championship.
“As a Canadian kid, you always dream of playing in the world of junior year. Obviously, it’s an honor to play for my country and I will never forget it. My whole experience was great.”
His outstanding performance on both ends of the ice allowed the Red Wings to rank ninth in the first round of the 2023 NHL entry draft.
“Going into draft night, I didn’t expect to be picked by them,” he said. “There are other people I’ve been talking to more teams. I’ve been talking to them all year round and used the entire staff in the NHL, But I didn’t talk to them anymore.”
Danielson won the No. 29 jersey when he competed in the Calder Cup playoffs last season.
“I always like the number 9 of growing up. I don’t know why. I just always like it,” he explained. “When I arrived at Peewee and Bantam, I liked the 19th.
Of course in Detroit Gody Howe Wear 9 and Steve Yzerman Wearing 19, that’s probably why Danielson was destined to play for the wings and why the organization used the 9th pick on him.
“My mom said that was her lucky number,” he said with a smile. “Whenever I think of a new number, she says there must be nine.”
Danielson was lucky that he was able to see the action in the Calder Cup playoffs last season, a way to get his career to start a little bit.
“It definitely made me focus on weight and get strong in the gym,” he said. “I know I have to be stronger. I think that will come over time. I’m over 20 not long ago a year ago Years, so I still have to grow into my body.”
The fact that he transitions to hockey has been helped, and he often pairs with some muscles this season. Play with veterans Austin Watson or Dominik Shine Beside him, he gave him room to show his skills.
“Obviously, both guys are great,” he said. “All of our veterans are really good at helping us young people, including on ice like professionals, take care of themselves and just do the right thing.”
Danielson and his development have been helped by this fact: Griffins have been playing hockey.
“I think we’re a team that’s a team that’s together very quickly,” he said. “We did a Northeast trip early in the season and when you’re here to do it together, all the time can help you get to know men. . We seem to be good as a team and when you succeed, everyone will be happier.”
As the season progresses, Danielson seems to be becoming more confident. After a slow start, he scored four points in the first 12 games and he took a 15-point pace over the next 18 games.
“The first two weeks didn’t go well,” he admitted. “I felt my game continues to get better and better after that.”
He understands that he has a lot to learn.
“I’m still trying to play the first few games, like I was in my junior year, and I realized you can’t do it in this league. The guys are too big, too strong, they’re too fast and smart, so I had to change the way I played.”
Danielson felt like he was starting to start the next step.
“When you join a new team, a new league, it always takes a little time,” he said. “I’m really comfortable and confident right now.”
