THOMASTON — When Aaron Daniello was a sophomore at Camden Hills Regional High School he played goalie for the Windjammers. Now, as a senior and two years removed, Daniello is playing junior league hockey for the Walpole Express, attending high school online, and looking to go back next season to play at the next level. In addition to all the game time, this young man has played hockey from Canada to Philadelphia and everywhere in between.

The video interview to the right was done at the Highlands Coffee House a couple of days after Christmas. Daniello is home for a short break before returning to Massachusetts and his team.

After his first season at Camden Hills where he was a All-Star Honorable mention and made the Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference second team, Daniello was invited to the USHL Indiana Ice Futures Camp where he won All Star Honorable Mention as second best goaltender at camp.

In his second season at Camden Hills Daniello was a second team All star (Class B West), second team (KVAC), Co-Team MVP, and Class B West Goalie of Month, Feb. 2012.

May of 2012 was a good month for Daniello who was invited to the NAHL Austin Bruins Goalie Selection Camp and was drafted in the ninth round of the GMHL (Greater Metro Hockey League) Entry Draft by LeFroy Wave of the GMHL. After a half a season in Canada, Daniello went to play for the Philadelphia, Jr. Flyers MJHL Juniors which is where he finished his 2012-13 season.

This year he is playing on a MJHL Junior B team called the Walpole Express where he has a record of 6-5-0-1 with a Goals against Average of 3.39. He has faced 407 shots and has given up 40 goals with one shutout for a .902 Save Percentage.

Aaron Daniello Personal Stats
Age: 17
Height: 5’ 11”
Weight: 150 pounds
Team: Walpole Express (Metropolitan Junior Hockey League)
Position: Goalie
Favorite Music: Old Classics. Frank Sinatra is his favorite of all time
Favorite Movie: The Notebook
Favorite Food: Pasta
Biggest Influences: His Parents
Dream Car: Rolls Royce
Perfect Job/Career: Play Professional Hockey. Be a psychologist.

While playing for Walpole Daniello actually is enrolled with Allied National High School in California. That’s an online school that caters to those who need a flexible schedule.

Having a child involved in something like this can take its toll on a family, as well. Daniello’s father and mother travel to all of the home games and any that are closer supporting their son. Not only is it time consuming, but expensive, yet both say it is worth every minute and every penny. With that kind of support Daniello has an advantage that many young athletes do not have and he understands that.

The Express plays a 42 game schedule that is played in five states, Mass, RI, Conn, NH and Pennsylvania. That’s a lot of travel for a family to just watch.

Daniello wants to be a professional hockey player and to that end he would like to play next season at the Junior A level. He is unsure where that will be, but is prepared to go where ever the game takes him.

Last Friday night friends and fans got a chance to see Daniello in action has he helped the Camden Hills Alumni down the current Camden Hills varsity team 6-5.

While taking to Daniello I asked him what his favorite music was and his eyes lit up and he sat up straight in his chair and said without a second thought, “I love the old classics, Frank Sinatra is my all-time favorite.” An old soul in a young man’s body, is taking a line from Ol’ Blue Eyes’ and doing it “My Way”.

When asked about after hockey Daniello said he would like to consider coaching the game he loves so much. “It’s good to teach people what you are good at.” said Daniello. That’s pretty heads up attitude for a 17 year old boy.

Click here to follow Daniello and the Walpole Express season.

Ron Hawkes can be reached at sports@penbaypilot.com