Father David Bauer, a true "architect" in Canadian hockey, was known for his philosophical and idealistic approach to the sport. Following his belief that athletics and education are vital yet inseparable elements in a person's life, he formed Canada's first official National hockey team composed entirely of university students. Bauer was born into a hockey-loving family in Kitchener, Ontario. A talented left-winger, he was a member of Oshawa's Memorial Cup winning team of 1943. As a boy, Bauer was told by his father that he could pursue a career in hockey, but only after completing a proper education. He took these words to heart, letting them form the basis of his values as an athlete, educator, and coach. Unfortunately, aspiring young hockey players were often forced to make a choice between playing high-calibre sports and pursuing a higher education. Bauer chose the latter. He gave up an offer from the Boston Bruins and became a Basilian priest, turning his talents toward teaching and coaching the game instead. While teaching at St. Michael's College in Toronto, Bauer coached in nearly every division of minor hockey. He coached the St. Michael's Majors from 1960-1961, leading them to a Memorial Cup victory in 1961. In 1962, he was transferred to St. Mark's College in Vancouver where he became coach of the UBC hockey team. With the rise of Soviet and European hockey power in the 1960's, Bauer decided that something had to be done about Canada's failing international hockey reputation. Holding fast to his belief that players should not have to give up their pursuit of a higher education in order to play top quality hockey, Bauer conceived the idea of a National Team composed of an all-star university lineup. Until this time, Allan Cup-winning amateur teams usually represented Canada at the Olympics and other international championships, as professional hockey players were not allowed to compete. Bauer took his National Team, fondly called the "Nats," to the Olympics in both 1964 and 1968. Despite rigorous training and tremendous team spirit, the Nats managed to bring back only one bronze medal, that in 1968. However, Bauer was awarded an honourary Olympic gold medal in 1964 for outstanding sportsmanship. A much sought-after coach internationally, Bauer helped to establish hockey in both Japan and Austria in the 1970s. He served on the directorate of Canada's National Health & Fitness Council, as well as on the board of directors of Hockey Canada. For his significant contributions to the game, Bauer received the Order of Canada in 1967, was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1989, and was inducted into the International Ice Hockey Federation Hall of Fame in 1997.