A Canadian dream, another Rockets opportunity

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For a young player still finding his footing in major junior hockey, the past few weeks have provided a valuable glimpse of what’s ahead.

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Daneault was one of the younger players selected to represent Canada at the U17 World Challenge, an experience he describes as an absolute blast.

The tournament gave him an opportunity to measure himself against some of the best young players in the world, facing teams from the United States, Czechia, Sweden and Finland.

“The best on best truly, so it was an honour,” Daneault said. “Look forward to hopefully representing my country in the future.”

Daneault also enjoyed some offensive success, but was quick to share the credit with one of his linemates, Maddox Schultz, who finished the tournament with 16 points and is considered a potential first-round NHL draft pick down the road.

“It’s pretty easy when you’re playing with Schultz,” Daneault said.

The two developed an immediate connection, something that became even stronger when they were assigned as roommates during the tournament.

Their chemistry wasn’t simply a matter of finding each other on the ice. It also came from spending time together away from the rink, talking through what worked and what they could do better.

“After the first game there, we’re kind of watching a video together and we’re just kind of picking each other’s brains,” Daneault said. “Where I want him to be next time, where he wants me to be next time. So it was good for sure.”

Daneault appreciated more than just Schultz’s offensive ability. He pointed to his linemate’s commitment to playing a complete game, finishing checks and doing the little things that make a difference.

“He’s just such a 200-foot player that plays the game the right way,” Daneault said. “He’s a great player, but most importantly, a great person.”

The two will get another chance to cross paths later this month, but this time the friendship will take a back seat.

Schultz and the Regina Pats visit Prospera Place on November 21, giving Daneault an opportunity to face the former linemate he enjoyed so much playing alongside at the U17 World Challenge.

Instead of setting each other up for scoring chances, the two will be trying to find a way to beat one another.

Representing Canada was another highlight, particularly considering how young he is. Although the tournament featured two Canadian teams, the opportunity to wear the national colours was something he won’t soon forget.

Playing against another Canadian team in the bronze medal game was admittedly a little strange, but the experience left him wanting more.

“Everyone says that they dream as a little kid,” Daneault said. “So just to live that dream out at such a young age already, I feel like I’m just excited to hopefully get more opportunities in the future.”

Before joining Canada’s U17 team, Daneault had spent time playing with Red Deer. Moving between the different environments gave him a unique introduction to major junior hockey, particularly when it came to adjusting to the speed and physicality of the WHL.

Returning to Red Deer after experiencing the pace of the Western Hockey League wasn’t necessarily easy. In fact, Daneault admitted it took some adjustment to get comfortable again.

“The guys are slower, not as big, not as long as reaches, so plays don’t happen as quickly,” he said. “It was hard for sure.”

Now, his attention is back on the Rockets.

The transition to Kelowna has been made easier by the people around him. Daneault credited the coaching staff, his teammates and his Kelowna billet family for making him feel welcome from the moment he arrived.

“Everyone’s handled it extremely well,” he said. “My billets have handled it extremely well, so I can’t thank them enough. Just made it such an easy transition to come to Kelowna, and it’s been awesome.”

Despite spending time away from the team, he never lost touch with what was happening in Kelowna.

Watching from the sidelines wasn’t always easy.

“Obviously when I’m not in the lineup, I’m kind of frustrated. I want to help them win as much as I can,” he said.

The opportunity to learn from players with professional experience is another benefit of returning. With Czech forward Vojtech Cihar now part of the Kelowna lineup, Daneault is looking forward to watching how he approaches the game.

“When you get guys coming in that have pro hockey experience already, it’d be awesome,” he said. “I just want to learn from him and watch him play.”

Even his Kelowna billet mom, Ashley, has noticed how quickly everything is moving. She picked him up from the airport following his return from Toronto, and the two couldn’t help but reflect on the whirlwind experience.

“It didn’t even feel like I went home for nine days,” Daneault said. “It kind of just felt like it went right from Kelowna right to Toronto and then now back here.”

With November already underway and Christmas seemingly around the corner, the season is moving quickly.

But Tuesday night offered a reminder that Daneault is right where he wants to be. Back in Kelowna, back in the lineup and already making a difference.