Noah Wagner spent the past few of his competitive hockey seasons preparing to achieve one goal and that goal was making a junior roster. Playing at the Rink Hockey Academy in Winnipeg last season, Wagner was solid.
He played in 78 games and he put up 60 points. After the season came to an end, Wagner continued to work hard just in case a junior opportunity came open and it sure did. Wagner began this season with the North American Hockey League's Minnesota Wilderness.
The Winnipeg native ended up playing just three games with them before he decided to come back to Canada and when he did, he joined the Dauphin Kings. Wagner has now suited up in 31 games with the Kings as the team prepares for one game this weekend.
"I love Dauphin, the guys are great and I'm having a really good time," said Wagner. "We have a solid team. Once we get things going here, I think we can have a lot of success."
"Dauphin provides me with a better opportunity than Minnesota and I think I made the right choice," continued Wagner. "Based on my play, Dauphin is a better spot and I'm happy that I'm here."
In his 31 games with Dauphin, Wagner has seven points (3G). One of the best things about Wagner's game is his skating ability, tight passes, and willingness to do anything it takes to help the team win. If a big hit is needed, Wagner will make one and he won't shy away from taking on the other team's biggest player.
However, Wagner is looking to add more to his game beginning on Sunday.
"I think every player has more to offer at the end of the day," said Wagner. "It's my first year of junior, so I'm just trying to find my way. I take a good look at the veterans and I see what they do to succeed and I try to do the same things they do. It's all a process being a young player."
Noah has represented Manitoba in the past. He played for Team Manitoba at the WHL Cup back two seasons ago. In five games, he had two points. They beat Saskatchewan in the tournament to claim the bronze medal.
"Representing my province was definitely an honour for me, it was extremely special," concluded Wagner. "It's my best hockey memory so far and it's also one of the best memories in my life."
Get To Know Noah:
Nickname – Wags.
Favourite song – UCLA by RL Grime.
Best warmup music in the MJHL – Dauphin.
Favourite rink to play in – Steinbach.
Favourite pre-game meal – Chicken and Rice.
Favourite cheat meal – McDonald's.
Favourite NHL player – Brady Tkachuk.
Favourite professional athlete – Lamar Jackson.
Favourite NHL team – Winnipeg Jets.
Favourite professional team – Minnesota Vikings.
Stay tuned for my full chat with Noah during the Dauphin Kings Power Play Show just after 4:00 p.m.
