OUTLOOK - An Outlook hometown boy is coming home to Saskatchewan, and he's bringing his years of knowledge in the sport of hockey along with him.
Andrew Sarauer, who for years has played the game seemingly all over the world in all manner of leagues and divisions, will return home to guide a new generation of players as he was just announced as the new assistant coach of the WHL's Saskatoon Blades.
Sarauer will join newly named head coach Dan DaSilva and fellow assistant coach Wacey Rabbit behind the bench for the upcoming 2024-25 season.
“Andrew is a local guy who grew up a Blades fan,” stated DaSilva in a media release. “He had an excellent playing career and has invaluable knowledge and experiences from that chapter in his life. He’s always been a true professional, a great leader, and truly cares about player development both on and off the ice. I am sure his hard work and passion for the game will translate to our culture perfectly.”
Growing up in the riverside community of Outlook, Sarauer played junior hockey in the BCHL before heading to Northern Michigan University for a four-year career. From there, Andrew was drafted by the Vancouver Canucks and now boasts a lengthy professional playing career spanning 15 seasons in both North America and Europe. As a global athlete, Sarauer also attained his Hungarian citizenship and played seven years with the Hungary National Team where he played in international events with Blades legend Frank Banham.
The 39-year-old Sarauer then returned home to North America last season to begin his coaching career with the WHL’s Wenatchee Wild.
Andrew told this reporter in a profile story in 2021 that it was those early years of hockey while growing up in Outlook that nurtured his love of the game, undoubtedly laying the foundation for what would become an impressive career.
“I started playing from around 4 years old and played most of my minor hockey in Outlook until my 2nd year of midget, when I moved away from home,” he said. “It was such a great place to play growing up with lots of ice time and great coaches along the way. I remember the best times with your friends being rink rats and playing shinny all day!”
Sarauer also shared his philosophy on how he approached the game as a player, regardless of the obvious challenges that will come your way as an athlete out on the ice. It comes down to a commitment needing to be there within players in order to see success come your way; a philosophy that Sarauer is sure to pass down to Blades players in the upcoming season ahead.
“You’re always going to face challenges along the way,” he said. “Coaches, teammates, injuries, losing streaks, etc. I really believe that in hockey or anything, that if you’re not fully invested, don’t put in the work and do things the right way, then you will end up on the wrong side.”
In the media release issued by the WHL/CHL, Andrew shared his excitement about returning to his home province to join the coaching staff of the Saskatoon Blades.
“This has been one of the top teams in the WHL the last few years, and I couldn’t be more excited to build off what they have, and most importantly help develop our players into quality young men.” said Sarauer. “I am incredibly honoured and thrilled to join the Blades organization, a team I grew up watching. I want to thank management for the opportunity, and look forward to working alongside Dan, Wacey and the staff.”
