Hard-hitting Salokari representing Canada in Deaflympics

Daniel Salokari has to pay extra close attention to what’s going on around him on the ice.

The 17-year-old, described as a quick learner by Thunder Bay North Stars coach Todd Howarth, can’t hear, or not very well.

Being deaf in hockey presents its challenges, said the SIJHL rookie, but it’s nothing he hasn’t been able to overcome.

“I can’t always hear the coaches and the other players calling for the puck, and stuff. But I try my best and I keep aware of what’s going on on the ice, and also off the ice,” Salokari said, taking a break from practice on Monday night.

“With the help of my coach and other players, they make sure I’m aware of what’s going on. They take that effort to make sure.”

Salokari, who has cochlear implants – surgically implanted electronic devices that provide him with a measure of hearing – has certainly caught the attention of the hockey world. The youngster, once thought too young to make the team, was recently invited to try out for Canada’s Deaflympics team, and the hard-hitting defenceman raised enough eyebrows that he earned a spot on the squad. He left for Slovakia this week for the Games, which begin next Friday, and the Hammarskjold High School senior couldn’t be more excited about the opportunity.

“It’s been one of my lifelong goals to make the team,” he said. “I’ve always wanted to represent my country playing at the Deafalympics. Team Canada, that’s pretty special.”

Howarth, whose streaking North Stars are in the heat of the stretch run, is more than happy to give up his young defender, who has a goal and five assists in 39 games.

Admittedly a bit raw when he arrived in camp last fall, Howarth said he’s worked hard to improve his game and deserves every accolade he gets.

“It’s huge. I think he’s the youngest player going. They phoned me about him and they were worried about his age, but he went to the camp and he really stood on his head when he went to the camp so they were pretty excited about him,” Howarth said.

“For our organization it’s huge to see a kid progress that much and get to go to a stage of that caliber and I’m excited for him.”

Having Salokari on the team has forced a slight adjustment in the way things are done, but nothing major, Howarth said. The team has drawn out plays for him, showing him what they want him to do, and he’s a quick learner his coach said, which has made the transition that much easier.”

“At the beginning it was hard and he struggled off the hop. But I think the whole team struggled, especially the D-corps. But I think we’ve found a way to play with him and I think he understands more and he’s getting way more comfortable with now and it’s helped him lots. And he’s done a good job,” Howarth said.

Salokari said he can’t thank the North Stars enough for making it work.

“It’s definitely prepared me for going to the Deafalympics, getting in shape and all. It’s made me a better player,” he said.

Salokari should return to the Stars in time for the playoffs.