The Free Press’s Helene St. James welcomes us to Thursday with a subscriber-only column which discusses Nate Danielson’s immense level of self-belief. As St. James points out, Danielson really rocketed up the scoring charts when he was traded from the Wheat Kings to Portland of the WHL this past season, posting 41 points over the course of just 28 games played:
“Every year you just try and improve,” Danielson said. “I think my overall game has improved since last time I was here. And just overall as a person and player, I’ve improved with all the new experiences I’ve had.I try to work on everything — my skating, my shot, stick handling. I don’t know if there’s any one thing I feel I’m that much better at.”
Danielson had a good camp and exhibition season last fall, but there never was much question he’d go back for another year of junior hockey. Again, it was valuable experience.
“I thought I got more comfortable as camp went on,” Danielson said. “That gave me confidence, definitely, and gives me confidence going into this year, too, knowing that I can have success and play at this level.”
Danielson, 2022 first-round pick Marco Kasper and 2021 third-round pick Carter Mazur are all coming off good seasons and project to challenge for jobs in Detroit. Kasper and Mazur both have more pro experience, having played a full season in the AHL, but Danielson shouldn’t be overlooked. Maybe he doesn’t make the team out of camp, but he looks and sounds like a guy determined to be atop the depth chart in the minors.
“I believe in myself,” Danielson said, “and I believe I can make it.”
Continued (paywall); Danielson is only 20, and he’ll attempt to break into pro hockey with the Grand Rapids Griffins this upcoming season, but he’s got a level of self-confidence that’s almost cocky, and that’s good for a professional athlete to have.
