For Daunte Fortner, nothing beats being on the ice. Its’s when he’s at his best and when he’s having the most fun.
Hockey has also added a lot to his life as a whole.
“I love the people you meet and the place it can bring you,” Fortner said. “I’ve been all over North America playing the sport. Hockey is fun. It’s exciting. I have the most fun when I’m on the ice making plays and succeeding with teammates.”
Fortner is now in his final year at Marian and is poised to be a key playmaker once again.
A year ago, he led the team in assists with 13 and finished second in total points.
Through two games this season, both wins for Marian, Fortner has come through with one assist.
Making plays to set up teammates for goals is something he takes a lot of pride in.
“I try to help everyone out on the ice, get everyone the puck and give them chances and opportunities,” Fortner said. “The better you move the puck, the better the chance you have to score a goal.”
Fortner has done that well, racking up 25 assists in his collegiate career to go along with 13 goals. And he spent the offseason trying to be even better at his craft.
“I worked on quicker shots, quicker release shooting through screens, and just being a leader,” Fortner said.
Hockey has always been a sport Fortner has played. He started at a young age and hasn’t looked back.
“My dad played and he got me into it,” Fortner said. “I’ve always enjoyed playing it.”
Fortner played junior hockey before arriving on campus, including one year with the Philadelphia Hockey Club, where he came through with 21 assists and five goals.
When it came to finding a college to play at, Marian just proved to be the right fit for the Michigan native.
“They offered me a spot and I thought it was a good fit,” Fortner said. “It was close to home and I’m an education major, and the school has a good education program. It all added up.”
The wins have added up early for Fortner and the Sabres, who are 2-0 after beating Bethel 2-1 in overtime and rolled past St. Olaf 4-0.
They are off this week but open NCHA play next week against nationally ranked St. Norbert, one of four teams in the conference who are ranked.
Marian finished 9-17-1 last season and 5-12-1 in the conference.
“The NCHA is one of the best conferences in the country,” Fortner said. “Every game is a battle. Every game is a dogfight.”
Fortner said he is enjoying the opportunity to play college hockey one more time, especially with how competitive it is, and is locked in on doing what he can to help the team continue to thrive.
“We’re focused on winning but we aren’t looking too far ahead,” Fortner said. “It’s about winning each weekend. Everything is going well so far. “As a group, we are playing faster and everyone is stepping up.”
