CORAL HARBOUR/THUNDER BAY - Coral Harbour's Daniel McKitrick is proving big hearts often do come in small packages.

Daniel McKitrick of Coral Harbour hasn't let his lack of physical size stop him from climbing up the hockey ladder as he'll by suiting up with the Thunder Bay AAA Bantam Kings for the upcoming 2011-2012 hockey season. - photo courtesy of Bruce McKitrick

McKitrick, 13, who stands about five feet two inches and tips the scales at 110 pounds, has been told he's too small at every level of competitive hockey.

Slowly but surely the born-and-raised Coral product has been climbing each rung of the hockey ladder since moving to Thunder Bay, Ont., about four years ago, racking up the goals along the way.

McKitrick led his AA peewee team in scoring in 2009-2010, and had his sights on bantam AA for 2010-1011.

But, despite a strong camp, McKitrick had to settle for bantam A when, once again, it was decided he was just too small.

Coach Adam Sergerie of the Lakehead Wolverines gave McKitrick a call and told him he was a good player and not to give up.

The feisty forward took the coach's words of encouragement to heart and was named bantam A rookie of the year before arriving as one of 60 hopefuls to the AAA camp this year.

This time he was not to be denied, and will suit up for the AAA bantam Thunder Bay Kings this coming season.

McKitrick said he felt vindicated in making the Kings.

Back in Thunder Bay after scoring the tournament winning goal in a shootout at a AAA event in Duluth, Minn., he said he can't wait for the new season to begin.

"I spent time on both the power play and penalty kill this past season and enjoyed both roles," said McKitrick.

"I found A hockey pretty easy, but, I'm a smaller person, so guys try to take me out with their bodies a lot.

"I just hit them back and keep playing my game.

"The game has opened up a bit for smaller players and there's a little more room out there now."

McKitrick said he's looking forward to improving his overall game in AAA.

He said he needs to work on his speed and shot.

"My defensive and system play is good and I like shutting down the other team.

"That's just as important as scoring.

"I expect AAA to be more challenging because the guys will be bigger, faster and more physical.

"The goalies should be a little tougher too."

Daniel's father, Bruce, is well-known for coaching amateur wrestling in Nunavut for a number of years.

Bruce said it's only natural to have concerns when your son is one of the smallest players on the ice.

He said the AAA Kings will play at least 70 games next year, including 30 against Manitoba teams.

"It felt good to see him make the AAA team after having his size held against him last year," said Bruce.

"People told me he should have made AA last year, so it was good to see him not quit or give up.

"You know there's going to be bigger players hitting him at the next level, so there's always that worry, but there were some pretty big guys in A and AA hockey too.

"He keeps surprising me and I'm confident he can succeed at the AAA level."

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