The road less traveled may be unconventional, yet it has the potential to lead to the most sought-after destinations.
For Dayne Beuker, the path to a career in hockey is a long winding one, that’s drawing closer to glory.
After learning how to skate overseas in Germany, Beuker began his hockey career in Humboldt and progressed through the Humboldt Minor Hockey program.
Back in 2023, Beuker was selected by the Lethbridge Hurricanes with the 14th overall selection in the Western Hockey League (WHL) Prospects Draft.
He moved on to the Saskatoon Blazers of the Sask U18 AAA league for one season, where he led the league in goals (41) and points (83) as well finished tied on top for assists (43) and was named the league’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Top Rookie and helped the Blazers win the league title.
While exploring his options for his hockey future, Beuker examined the possibility of trying out for the United States National Team Development Program (NDTP). The option was available for him since his mother was from Oregon, making him a dual citizen. Through his research, Beuker found the NDTP was the right fit for him.
“I've watched it a lot of my life, seeing all the good players come out of there and when I got to start getting to know it more, I just saw that it was a place for me and had everything I wanted.”
Some of the alumni from the NDTP include former first overall selections in the National Hockey League (NHL) Rick DiPietro, Erik Johnson, Auston Mathews, and Jack Hughes. Other notable alumni include Jack Eichel of the Vegas Golden Knights and Cole Caufield of the Montreal Canadiens.
When weighing his options between heading south to the NDTP or west to Lethbridge, Beuker knew he was facing a tough decision.
“I just think the development program for me was the right option. Just I need to get stronger and less games.”
Based in Plymouth, Michigan, a routine week for the players will see them participate in school followed by hockey practice and off-ice workouts that consume their day from 8:00am until around 6:00 pm. Beuker says he enjoys the demanding schedule.
“It's a daily grind. But everyone loves it there. And that's what makes it fun.”
Playing away from home is a challenge most junior hockey players face, but playing on the other side of the continent could be daunting, but the product of Humboldt Minor Hockey said it’s easier with the support of his teammates.
“Everyone's in the in the same boat as me with billeting. So, we all go through struggles together. That makes it a lot a lot easier.”
During the season, the NTDP competes in the USHL, the American equivalent of the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) that includes the WHL. With a squad of 17- and 18-year-olds, Beuker says the NTDP is in tough against competition with teams with 19- and 20-year-olds.
“It's older and it's really good hockey, Fast, skilled, tough. So, it really helps me, and my team grow as it makes us better.”
Through 29 games in the USHL, Beuker has 17 points (4G-13A).
As a member of the National U17 team, they compete in games against teams from the North American Hockey League (NAHL) and Minnesota Elite League, along with three international tournaments.
The first tournament was in Sarnia, Ontario and Beuker noted it was a disappointing outing for the team as they finished in fourth place.
That was followed by a trip to Vierumaki, Finland, where they experienced success, finishing in first place.
In February, the U17 US National Team returned to Finland and competed in Helsinki, where they finished in fourth place, but Beuker believes the international trips helped the team improve.
“Learned from every experience and our team grows each and every game.”
Just like Dayne, his father Dean, spent time playing minor hockey in Humboldt before he ventured south of the border to continue his hockey after he was selected by the Portland Winterhawks in the WHL Draft. He concluded his professional career overseas in Germany. As Dayne chases his hockey dream, he says his dad has helped guided his focus to the destination.
“He told me the main thing is to take everything, every opportunity and learn from and grow.”
Next season, Beuker will complete his two-year residency with the USNDT and compete with the U18 National team. Afterwards, his options include returning to Canada and playing with Lethbridge or possibly staying in the United States and play in NCAA hockey. With the newly introduced rule of CHL players no longer exempt from NCAA hockey beginning in the fall, Beuker says he will have plenty of options over the next couple of years, which he is open to and looking forward to exploring when the time comes.
At the beginning of March, Beuker had a chance to return to Humboldt with a break in the hockey schedule, which gave an opportunity trip for a nostalgic trip with a visit to the Elgar Petersen Arena and enjoyed reliving the precious memories.
“So many memories, the good, the bad,” he said.
“It's always nice being back and seeing the banners and all that stuff.”
Beuker hopes to create a new memory as he will be eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft. He knows it won’t be easy, but Beuker is ready to put the work in to hear his name called by an NHL team.
“it's going to be hard to get there, but I still think that's what I want to do is play hockey my whole life.”
Beuker’s career is in its infancy, yet he's already captured global attention, making an impact that speaks volumes about his potential.