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Whistler hockey player Kai Daniells distinguishes himself at BCHL All-Star weekend

Daniells was named captain of Team West for the BCHL Top Prospects game
David Song
David Song

Whistler's own Kai Daniells continued to put together an excellent British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) campaign with a standout showing at the league's All-Star weekend. The six-foot-tall, 180-pound forward represented the Nanaimo Clippers in Penticton from Jan. 20-21 alongside his teammate, defenceman Ethan Mistry. 

Both joined Clippers head coach Colin Birkas in playing for Team West in the league's annual Top Prospects game. Although they fell 6-2 to Team East, Daniells scored late in the second period by deflecting in a slapshot from the blueline. Mistry notched the lone assist on another goal midway through the third stanza. 

Daniells was also recognized for his leadership qualities by being named captain of Team West. As such, he participated in the ceremonial puck drop before the game with former Vancouver Canucks forward Brendan Morrison. 

After the Top Prospects game, Daniells and Mistry again joined forces during the weekend's 3-on-3 outdoor tournament on Team Courtnall. Daniells scored 10 goals during the event, helping his squad reach the finals where they were defeated by Team Turris. 

Though he describes himself as a two-way, pass-first centre, Daniells managed to showcase his wrister in the accuracy shooting portion of the skills competition as well, placing second out of four contestants. 

The skills competition, 3-on-3 tournament and alumni game featuring former NHLers Morrison, Scott Niedermayer, Geoff Courtnall, Kyle Turris and Garry Valk, were all held at a brand new outdoor rink in Penticton.

“The skill [these BCHL players] have today is pretty amazing,” said Niedermayer, a Hockey Hall of Famer who won four Stanley Cups along with both the Norris and Conn Smythe Trophies in his exceptional career. “Enjoy it and work hard...there’s going to be challenges as you step up and try to get to the next level, and it’s a matter of sticking with it and getting through those things.”

For Daniells, the next step up will be NCAA Division I hockey. The Whistlerite has committed to playing for the Princeton University Tigers, a program that has so far produced eight NHL players. Before then, Daniells hopes to win a Fred Page Cup and has a good chance of doing so: the Clippers lead the BCHL's Coastal Conference with a 29-7-1 record (59 points) as of Feb. 9. Only the Penticton Vees (35-3-0 with 71 points) are better.