Chapter 14: Daniel Helary
Daniel Helary came to the Dauphin Kings last season with great size and the goal of becoming an elite junior hockey player.
He played 48 games last year, scoring five times while adding 10 assists. As Dauphin played game seven of the Turnbull Cup final, Helary had one playoff assist and 36 penalty minutes. He then went back home to Calgary and trained.
He pushed harder than he ever had before. Just moments after last year's season was cut short by Northern Manitoba, Daniel knew he was coming back for this year's revenge tour.
"It was a no-brainer after how close we came to winning the Turnbull last year," said Helary. "With all the returning guys, we collectively stayed in touch during the off-season. This year, we're going to do it. We have such a tight-knit group, and are ready to take another run at it."
Now in his second full junior season, Helary has taken his game to the next level. He's already scored 11 goals. Only one player on the team, Havryil Simchuk, has scored more than Helary. Daniel has had one multi-goal game this season. In 22 games, he's posted 14 points. His 11 goals are tied for the 12th-most in the league. No other defencemen have scored double digits.
Without a doubt, Helary will crush last year's 15-point total.
"It's different this season. Being an older guy now and playing a bigger role," said Helary. "I think this past summer was a big thing. I trained with Division 1 players, and that helped my game."
After a great summer, Daniel came into this season a lot more confident, and he's using that confidence to light it up. Helary's biggest goal came last weekend against the Steinbach Pistons.
As Dauphin came from behind to beat the Pistons, Helary's goal with just more than six minutes left in the third stood as the winner. It was Daniel's third game-winning goal of the season, which leads the team.
"Oh wow, that one felt good. Especially how the last game we played against Steinbach went," added Helary. "It felt great to be on the other end of things."
After starting the season 10-2-1, the Kings hit a roadblock, losing four straight games. They have since caught fire. After a 4-2 win against the Blues on Sunday, when Helary scored his 11th of the season, the Kings have won five straight games.
At 15-6-1, the Kings are seven points ahead of the Virden Oil Capitals for first place in the MGEU West Division. Helary has been a key cog in the team's success as Dauphin looks to keep it going. The team's .705 winning percentage is the fourth-best in the league. Their 56 goals against are the third-fewest in the league.
"I think this year, our guys are so tight-knit, especially after last season," continued Helary. "We know the plan, and we're following it. It's been a great start for our club, and we'll look to keep it going this weekend."
Dauphin welcomes the Selkirk Steelers to town on Saturday for Country Night. After starting the season 10-0, Selkirk is 4-10-1 in their last 15. On Sunday afternoon, the Winkler Flyers are in town. It's the final game of a three-in-three for the Flyers. They're in The Pas to play Northern Manitoba on Friday and Saturday night.
The Flyers are currently 10-9-1 and are chasing Selkirk in the MGEU East.
"In this league, anyone can beat anyone on any given night," continued Helary. "We have to outwork our opponents and make sure we're the hardest-working team. We've beaten both of these teams before, but we've also lost to them. We'll respect them and take it one shift at a time."
Don't forget to listen to the Dauphin Kings Power Play Show on Friday afternoon with Darnell Duff. That's where you can hear his full chat with Daniel at 4:00 p.m.
Get To Know Helary:
You have 11 goals this season. Did you ever think of being a forward? No. Last season was a big surprise, getting moved up front for a good portion. It was a good chance to develop. With that said, my heart has always been on the blue line.
What is your favourite hockey memory? Oh man, my favourite definitely has to be last year's playoff run. Nothing will ever top that, except for this season winning the championship.
What are some of your favourite hobbies? I enjoy fishing, going to the gym, running, and hiking.
Who is an inspiration for you? My biggest inspiration is my father. We've always been super close. I'm an only child. He was always there outside, tossing the ball around and shooting pucks. All the work he has done to give me the opportunities I've had throughout my life. There's no guy that I would rather have in my life other than my dad.
What else pushed you to chase the dream growing up? Surrounding myself with like-minded individuals. All my buddies back home are big into hockey and working out. We would go for runs, and you never wanted to be the one to rest first. We all pushed each other, which was great.
When did you realize you had what it took to make the next level? I think during my U16 season with Calgary. I started producing a lot more offensively.
What's your favourite family memory? Anytime my family would go to my uncle's ranch in Alberta, so many incredible memories.