2020 | Massachusetts | BOYS

Worcester/Leicester/Bay Path | Wildcats | BOYS

Michael D. Vaughan, Head Varsity Ice Hockey Coach
Worcester/Leicester/Bay Path Wildcats
Foley Stadium Athletic Office
305 Chandler Street
Worcester, MA 01602

March 10, 2020

Dear Selection Committee for the 2020 Hobey Baker High School Character Award,

It is my pleasure to nominate Daniel Rafuse for the 2020 Hobey Baker High School Character Award. Daniel is a talented team first student athlete who excels in ice hockey. As a freshman he was selected for the varsity boys hockey team after trying out as a forward. In his freshman season, Daniel was a key contributor as a top line left wing. He had an outstanding freshman season, and finished the year on the second line, while garnering minutes on the power play for a team which competed in the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association Hockey Tournament. Going into Daniel’s sophomore season, it was apparent that our team was going to need help on defense. Daniel observed that our team really could use another defenseman or two, and asked me if I would like him to try playing defense. We gave him a chance and very quickly he was able to work his way into being one of our best defensemen, playing in our top four throughout the season. Daniel was clearly more comfortable playing forward, and at one point had a point each shift streak going(that’s right, a point a shift streak) each time we put him up front. At the same time, it was determined by our coaching staff that we were a better team when we played Daniel on defense, and so Daniel selflessly sacrificed personal statistics to help us to be a better team. As a result, over the course of Daniel’s entire four year varsity career, our team was able to make the playoffs each season. While our coaching staff continued to move Daniel around to different positions which is never an easy thing for a player to manage, Daniel was able to earn a selection as both an All Russell Conference Defenseman, and a selection to play in the Central Massachusetts Division 3A All Star Game in this his senior season.

Because of his positive attitude, effort, and selfless play, Daniel Rafuse became the most natural selection for me to make as my senior captain for this past season. Here I got a chance to experience the type of leadership qualities that Daniel possesses. During the season Daniel worked hard to create a positive and cohesive team culture. In this role Daniel was the team vocal leader while continuing to lead by his example as he has always done. He did this in an encouraging way for his teammates. He also demonstrated a spirit of community service. During the season we made arrangements to meet with a particular youth hockey organization in Worcester, the Junior Crusaders who were often on the ice after us, a fourth and fifth grade aged group. Both Daniel and another co-captain went to one of their practices, and talked to the students about loving the game of hockey, perseverance, and what they can do to someday play high school hockey. I was fortunate to attend, and the message was very inspirational.

Daniel’s disciplined approach, and leadership as a captain had a tremendous effect on our team, resulting in the Wildcats having the fewest penalty minutes we have had in over 10 years. This was a key factor in helping our team be recognized for outstanding sportsmanship as we were able to win the James F. Mulloy Team Sportsmanship Award.

It has been an absolute pleasure to coach Daniel in Varsity Boys High School Hockey over the past four years. He exceeds all of the expectations that we have for our student athletes, and he embodies all of the qualities that we hope our student athletes will strive for as a Worcester/Leicester/Bay Path Wildcat. I therefore recommend that Daniel Rafuse receive the honor of the 2020 Hobey Baker High School Character Award.

Sincerely,

Michael D. Vaughan
Head Varsity Ice Hockey Coach
Worcester/Leicester/Bay Path Wildcats