Chapter 18: Hunter Bauer
On January 15, 2024, the Dauphin Kings announced the signing of star goaltender Hunter Bauer.
Born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, high expectations came with the signing. In his final year of high school hockey with Minnetonka High School in Minnesota during the 2023-24 season, Bauer was 21-1-2. He had 12 shutouts, a goals-against average of 0.94 and a .947 save percentage.
Bauer was at the team's training camp last season. He was released and went to the NCDC to join the Ogden Mustangs. In 12 games with the Mustangs, Bauer was dominant. He won nine games with a 1.92 goals-against average and a .932 save percentage.
The well-travelled netminder then joined the Minnesota Mallards of the North American Hockey League, where he played nine games to end the season last year. Bauer was back with the Mallards this year, but his tenure with them was short. He played seven games.
Following those seven games, Bauer came back to Manitoba and joined the Steinbach Pistons. Hunter dazzled in his time with Steinbach. He went 7-1-0-0 with a 1.51 goals-against average and a .944 save percentage. He also made 32 saves against the Kings last Friday.
Fast forward one day after the game, and Hunter was City of Sunshine-bound. After Devin Peck decided to join the Powell River Kings in the BCHL, Dauphin was in search of a goaltender. They landed on Bauer and welcomed Hunter back to Dauphin with open arms.
Bauer spoke on returning to Dauphin after he was released last year.
"Yeah, it was a little awkward at the start. Coming in and meeting everyone. Especially after beating them just the day before when I was with Steinbach," said Bauer. "I was a part of the organization last year when I signed, so it's great to be back. I'm happy to be here and ready to move forward."
Bauer reported to the Kings immediately after Dauphin confirmed the trade with Steinbach. The Pistons received a player development fee in exchange. While it may have been awkward at the start, Bauer is thrilled to be in the Blue & White.
"Yeah, it's been great. I've had a lot of fun reconnecting with the guys on the team," commented Bauer. "I knew many of them from when I was here last year. Being a part of this organization is a great honour. Being able to play the sport I love, and being in Dauphin, is a perfect fit."
Bauer's name was quickly called to man the crease upon his arrival. He made his debut on Tuesday against the Virden Oil Capitals. Bauer was brilliant in the team's narrow defeat against their divisional rival.
He turned away 42 Oil Capitals shots. Many of which were from the scoring area. The defeat saw Dauphin drop to second place in the MGEU West Division with 41 points. They're now in a tie for second with the Neepawa Titans after they beat the Swan Valley Stampeders on Wednesday.
Dauphin is still, however, only one point behind Virden for the top spot.
"Yeah, I think I played pretty well. I probably would like the second and third goals back," continued Bauer. "I'm just trying to learn and get better daily. The team's great. We have a great group of guys. We have everything needed in the locker room. It's about coming in every day, practicing hard, making adjustments, and taking the next step."
Bauer and the Kings return to the ice for two tough tests this weekend. They're in Steinbach to play the Pistons on Friday night. You can hear that game on 730CKDM with Darnell Duff. The Parkland Source for Sports pregame show begins at 6:50.
On Saturday, they're in Winkler to play Liam Ernst and the Flyers. The Parkland Source for Sports pregame show with Darnell Duff is at 7:20.
In speaking with the team's head coach and general manager, Doug Hedley, he praised the group for coming to the rink with their work boots on daily.
"We have a really good group this year. Our 20-year-olds are focused on unfinished business," said Hedley. "I think the league is wide open. This group is set on having a good run. The coaching staff believes in this group, and the players believe in themselves. We were one win away from a championship last year, and the guys want to get back there. I believe we can. We have a deep group, and one that works hard daily."
Since starting the season 10-2-1 through 13 games, Dauphin is 10-12-0-0 in their last 22 games. While it's been an up and down last almost two months, the newest King knows the group will be ready to battle this weekend.
"We're feeling pretty good. We're trying to get our details dialled in to get ready for a big weekend," ended Bauer. "Both teams have shown they are very good and have played well over the past month. Hopefully we can stick to our systems, get our details down, push back against both teams, and come out with two wins."
You can hear Hunter's entire conversation with Darnell Duff on Friday afternoon at 4:00 during the Dauphin Kings Power Play Show.
Get To Know Bauer:
How did you end up signing with the Kings last year? I was lucky to play with Joey Kubas in Minnesota, and his dad is with the Kings. He kept an eye on me, and after some good games with Minnetonka, I was able to sign with the club.
Who's your favourite NHL team? I'm a huge Montreal Canadiens fan. It's been rough the past few years, but they're having a good year. It's great to see.
What are some of your hobbies? I play the guitar a lot. I try to teach myself in my free time. I also spend a lot of time with my billet family. It's really important that I have that connection with them.
How did you get into hockey? When I was a little kid, my parents let me try every sport that I could. I played it all. I fell in love with skating. I loved sitting in the net, and ended up being a goalie out of that.
Did you always want to be a goalie? I always liked to think I wanted to be a goalie. I always wanted to be on the ice; I don't like not being on the ice. I never wanted to get off the ice when I was young, so I sat in the net.
What's your favourite hockey memory? In my junior year of high school, we won a State championship at the home of the Minnesota Wild, which was truly unbeatable. The place was packed.
Do you have a favourite family memory? When I was younger, playing youth hockey, we had a tournament in South Carolina. I remember being with my family and how beautiful it was.
Bauer says the best city he has ever visited is Salt Lake City.