Getting to Know Freshman Daniel Warpecha

Leading up to the 2016-17 season, DartmouthSports.com will be taking a closer look at the 11-member Class of 2020 making their Big Green debut this fall.

A two-year player for the Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL), Daniel Warpecha played in over 100 regular season games and 18 playoff contests. His time in the USHL was highlighted by winning the Clark Cup during the 2014-15 season. This year, despite being asked to play more of a defensive role, the six-foot forward more than doubled his point totals from the year before. An Illinois native, Warpecha played for the Chicago Mission AAA program of the High Performance Hockey League. In his second year on the Mission U16 team, his group won a Central District title, earning a bid to the Tier 1 USA Hockey Nationals, where they won a U16 National Championship. In 2013-14, he again showed offensive improvement by more than tripling his point totals from the previous season. Daniel was also selected to participate in two USA Hockey Festivals.

What made you pick Dartmouth?
Not only is it one of the best schools in America, but the hockey program is as good as they come.

For the fans who haven't seen you play, describe your game and what you bring to the team.
I'm a two-way forward. I like to play a heavy and very tenacious game. I can bring offense to the table as well as having a very strong defensive game.

What's your most memorable moment in hockey thus far?
Winning the Clark Cup as a part of the Sioux Falls Stampede in 2015.

What is your favorite sports team?
Chicago Blackhawks

Why did you pick the position you play? Did you ever play anything else?
I originally was a center, but I switched to left wing and it felt natural.

What are you planning on studying at Dartmouth?
Major in economics, minor in computer science.

What's something people may not know about you? A hidden talent or random fact?
I am fluent in Polish.

What do you remember most about your official visit?
I stayed with Grant Opperman and Josh Hartley and they were great guys and told me everything I needed to know about being a part of Dartmouth.

Who was your favorite player growing up?
Alex Ovechkin

Why did you go the route of playing in college rather than some of the other options that are available for players your age?
I think playing DI hockey while earning an Ivy League degree is a no brainer.

What was your recruiting experience like?
Awesome the coaching staff and all the guys made feel like Dartmouth was the perfect fit for me.

If you could witness one moment in history, what would it be?
The 1980 Olympic hockey game USA vs. Soviet Union