(Photo Credit: Jackson Sokoloski / Bridgeport Islanders)
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With six games left in the regular season, The Bridgeport Islanders sit fourth in the Atlantic Division, on the cusp of a playoff berth. This season has seen contributions from everyone. Players like Adam Beckman, Liam Foudy, and Matthew Highmore lead the way as the main point producers. Yet, it’s Daylan Kuefler who stands out as Bridgeport’s unsung hero.
Whether it’s blocking a shot, delivering a big hit, or scoring a clutch goal, Kuefler has stepped up in the biggest moments. Scoring 9G-14A-23P in 63 games, the Red Deer, Alberta, native has developed into a key piece for Bridgeport.
Spending his first season in junior hockey with the Phoenix Jr. Coyotes, Kuefler lived with NHL veteran Shane Doan. He reflected on how that experience helped him grow as a player.
“He was huge for me. It was his last year in the NHL, so just being around him and seeing how good of a person he is meant a lot. I also got to see the professional side of the game, how he takes care of himself and approaches things day to day. Being able to experience that as a young player was really important”.”
Next, he played for the Kamloops Blazers in the WHL alongside Fraser Minten and Emmitt Finnie, two players who have established themselves as solid NHL talents. Kuefler says that seeing his two best friends succeed at the next level has fueled his own drive to get there.
“Those two guys are two of my best friends in the world. I lived with both of them in Kamloops, so I’m really excited to see what they’re doing and I’m proud of them. At the same time, I want to be there too, that’s the goal. It’s kind of an ongoing joke between us that they’re there and I’m not, just some friendly banter. But honestly, I’m really happy for them and I hope to be there with them someday.”
The last few years, he has dealt with a few injuries that have slowed his progression. This season, he has stayed healthy and has been a huge part of the team on both sides of the ice. Kuefler shared how lessons he learned in his recovery have helped him become the player he is today.
“Yeah, I think it’s really important. Those two years were tough, it’s hard not being out there with the guys, not being in the fight and not playing the game you love. They were long years, but there was some good that came out of it. I was able to get stronger, get faster, and spend a lot of time in the gym, so I think it helped my development. Obviously, not being out there was a struggle, but I’m happy to be healthy, back this year, and playing.”
Being in the lineup has helped Kuefler develop his overall game, as his point production has seen a significant boost. Playing in the top-six for most of the season, he’s making the most of every scoring chance.
“I think it’s a little bit of everything. My skating has been a big key for me. It took me a bit longer than others to grow into my body, but I feel like I’m finally getting there. Being stronger on my feet and moving up and down the ice more efficiently has helped a lot. I work on all aspects of my game, but skating has probably been the biggest focus.”
Going into this season, Bridgeport only had one natural center in Matthew Highmore. Kuefler stepped up to make the position change, and by consistently winning faceoffs, he’s made the transition look effortless. I asked if the change was a coaching decision or something he pushed for.
“Yeah, it was more of a coach’s suggestion, like ‘hey, we’d like to try you here.’ I’ve really enjoyed the role. I like taking on new challenges like that, it’s exciting. Early on, there was definitely a learning curve, especially with faceoffs, I hadn’t taken one since I was five or six. So it was about working on the details and getting the positioning down. But at the end of the day, it all translates, and I think it’s been beneficial. It’s just another piece I can add to my game.”
Constantly getting new linemates, the former New York Islanders Draft Pick often finds Liam Foudy on his wing. He spoke about his chemistry and on-ice relationship with the veteran winger.
(Photo Credit: Jackson Sokoloski / Bridgeport Islanders)
“Liam and I have been joined at the hip for a while. We’ll have a few games apart here and there, but we usually end up back together. I love playing with Fouds (Foudy), he’s so talented and fast, and he makes the game easy. I just have to get him the puck and find my way to the net, and he usually gets it there. I think we’ve really grown together this year, just building chemistry and learning where each other is going to be. It’s been really good.”
In his three seasons in Bridgeport, Kuefler has played under two head coaches, Rick Kowalsky and Rocky Thompson. He is quick to note how much Rocky cares, crediting the team’s success to his bench boss.
“Rocky’s been amazing. He really cares, and I think he’s done a great job. Everyone’s a little different, and he understands how to bring the most out of each guy on our team. Obviously, we’ve had some success this year, it’s a big step forward, which has been awesome. Now we’re getting ready for a playoff push, and I’m excited to see what we can do.”
Kuefler’s gritty style is what sets him apart. Earlier in the year, I wrote an article on how he plays the game. He explained the roots of that style, and why maintaining it is such an important part of his identity.
“I think it’s a combination of things. I’ve always had that competitive edge, and early in my junior career I had to play harder, a different role. I had to play that fourth line role just to stay in the lineup. I’ve carried that with me and made it a part of my game, and I think it’s important to keep that edge. It all really comes down to not wanting to lose. I hate losing.”
Finally, I asked Kuefler what he’s taken away from his experience in pro hockey and how it has helped him grown as a player.
“Yeah, it’s the dream. I just try not to take any days for granted. If you told me six or seven years ago that I’d be playing professional hockey, I would’ve called you crazy. So it’s really a dream come true to be here, and hopefully I can keep taking the next steps. I’m just trying to enjoy every day and not take it any of it for granted.”
With Bridgeport on the verge of clinching a playoff berth for the first time in four years, Daylan Kuefler enters the stretch as one of the most important players for the New York Islanders’ top affiliate.