Sometimes you just need a little patience. Andrew Bayduza knew in the back of his mind that if he just stuck with it and played his game, he would earn his chance. That chance came towards the end of the 2014-2015 season. Andrew just finished his final season of AAA midget with the Parkland Rangers. The Fork River product put up 14 points in 44 games in the regular season and was nearly a point a game defenceman in the playoffs. The Dauphin Kings had seen a lot of Andrew and added him to their 50 man protected list.
“Andrew plays a steady game.” said Kings Assistant Coach Marc Berry. “He has good size and a long reach. Andrew really benefited from the Rangers being a little short staffed on the back end and to his credit he took advantage of the opportunity. Playing a lot of minutes in key situations and having a lot of those minutes be against other teams top lines can really speed up your development.
“It would mean a lot to me to be a Dauphin King,” Said Bayduza. “They have been competitive for quite a few years now and they do whatever it takes to win. Also I hear they treat their players great. I watched my cousin play here and talked to him a lot. He said it was the best years of his life! It would mean a lot to be able to experience what it’s like to be a Dauphin King.”
That cousin was Kings stand out forward, TJ Warkentin.
“ Obviously he was my favourite player growing up.” stated Bayduza. “ He was a really good player and was active in the community. And he wore my favourite number. 16”
Andrew is the youngest of four siblings, he has an older brother Matt and two older sisters Kara and Krissy. In the off season the son of David and Angie Bayduza enjoys baseball and track and field, especially the high jump.
Andrew’s favourite team in the NHL is the Columbus Blue Jackets and his favourite player is former Blue Jacket and current New York Ranger, Rick Nash. Bayduza’s favourite colour is orange and we won’t tell the coaching staff but his favourite movie is “Benchwarmers”
Steak or Chicken – Steak
Coke or Pepsi – Coke
Golf or Lake -Lake
iPhone or Blackberry – iPhone
TSN or Sportsnet – TSN
Country or Rock – Rock
Magazine or Book – Magazine
Call or Text – Text
Burger or Hot Dog – Depends on the day!
Bayduza will be one of several local players coming to Kings Main Camp, September 3rd. Don’t miss out on any of the action!
Be sure to get your season tickets before the June 26th Early Bird Deadline! Tickets are available at North of 51/Roger’s Wireless Monday to Friday during business hours.