Sicamous Eagles rookie Jaxon Danilec is headed to the Alberta Junior Hockey League after a great season in the KIJHL. Dunsmoor Creative image
Jaxon Danilec of the Sicamous Eagles has signed with the three-time Alberta Junior Hockey League champ, Olds Grizzlys.
Danilec, who turns 19 on Aug. 23, says getting the chance to play for the Grizzlys is rewarding. Since he started playing hockey, his goal has been to play at the junior A level.
“Joining the Grizzlys will allow me to bring the same game I played with the Eagles and I am really looking forward to having great success with Olds,” says the former Cariboo Cougar, who led the Eagles in scoring with 29 goals and 57 points in 43 games.
Danilec, who was named the Doug Birks division most valuable player and earned Rookie of the Year honours, said he played some of his best hockey with the Eagles.
“I was productive especially offensively, thanks to the help of coach Ty (Gunn) making sure I was in the right situations for me and the team to be successful,” says Danilec. “I had great chemistry with my teammates and linemates. There was a lot of trust.”
With the Eagles, Danilec was given a lot of ice time, including on the power-play. This was a big confidence booster for Danilec as it allowed him to develop and play the game harder. He improved every game.
While the Prince George native began his KIJHL career with the Revelstoke Grizzlies, he was dealt to the Eagles before playing a game as Gunn had interest in Danilec from the start. Danilec says Gunn’s coaching style was a perfect fit for what he needed.
“I have a lot of respect for him. His motive is to move players forward,” says Danilec, who had 16 points in 38 games for the Cougars in 2018-19. “I was also able to live with my aunt and uncle and had a good support system. I will always look at the KIJHL as an amazing experience. It is a great development league.”
As Danilec moves onto the AJHL, he looks forward to the skill and speed as that is his game. He hopes to bring that to the Grizzlys and help them win a championship.
