Bauer Kasdorf has announced he'll be continuing his hockey career south of the boarder as he's signed a contract with the Hampton Road Whalers of the USPHL.
Kasdorf details how he came to the decision to head to Virginia for hockey. "It was getting toward the end of the season and I wasn't sure what I was going to do, wasn't sure what my plan was. Then out of the blue, this coach texted me. I had his number from five years ago and he reached out, he kept up with my career and maybe there was an opportunity to go down there. So, we talked, talked with some of the players and it all just felt good. So, i signed the contract."
It was a big decision for the 20-year-old but he believes it was kind of meant to be given how it all just fit together. "It's a huge decision but I think that for me, going back in my career, I played in the States when I was 16 years old, that had a huge factor of me going back down there. I loved my time there. That different culture and that different style of hockey, it's all so interesting and it all feels right."
Reflecting back on his 2024-25 season, the big defender says it was a bit of a roller coaster with a number of ups and downs but Kasdorf managed to find his love for the game of hockey. "So, I started out with the (MJHL's Winnipeg) Freeze, I enjoyed my time there the previous season and when we got into November, I thought it was maybe time for me to switch it up. I lost the love of the game a little bit and I was really struggling. I decided to drop down and I got to play with both the Steinbach Huskies and a little bit with the La Broquerie Habs. Really, just found the love of the game again. Playing that, playing with my friends again and really just rediscovering that passion, that's what I attribute to me wanting to keep my career going."
It also didn't hurt that Kasdorf started finding his name on the scoresheet a lot more regularly, something he says played a role in rediscovering that joy. "It for sure went into it, it's tough when you go out, grind out and not really get that recognition you should because you're not scoring as much. I've never really been that guy, it's never been my game. My stint with the 'dogs', I really improved my offensive ability. My confidence in the offensive zone grew, where to put pucks, where not to put pucks, it all just gelled and it all clicked for me. It really helped me out."
After spending the last few years closer to home, Kasdorf says there was no way he'd be okay leaving if not for the support from his family. "They are nervous for me but they couldn't be more excited," he says with a big smile. "They've been my support system throughout my entire hockey career and I wouldn't be anywhere if it wasn't for them. Their support, their everything, it really keeps me going. It keeps things in perspective and having a family that really supports me, wants me to succeed at the things that I love, it makes things easier. Going into the gym and putting in those not so fun hours, it's all thanks to them."
While he hasn't even laced up for a game yet, Kasdorf is already looking beyond just this upcoming season. "100% I'm focused beyond just this year, my whole hockey life I've wanted an education out of hockey. Going down to the States, we go to a couple of big tournaments where college teams will be. It'll be great for exposure. If I can get a scholarship or even a little bit of money to keep playing hockey for the next four years of my life, I'd love that. I've always said I want to play for as long as I can at the highest level."
As he is set to create some new memories and milestones, Kasdorf says his first MJHL goal will forever be his highlight. "It was a really cool moment and it was extra special because it came against the team that originally drafted me (Virden Oil Capitals). It was kind of a full circle moment. My first and last MJHL goal, it feels pretty good. It helped push me forward."
Knowing Kasdorf, his dedication, his passion and his new found love of scoring, it won't be long until he's celebrating goals with the Hampton Road Whalers.