Deryk Engelland, a Canadian professional ice hockey defenseman, spent a decade in the National Hockey League (NHL) where he became known for his physical style of play and leadership qualities. Born on April 3, 1982, in Edmonton, Alberta, Engelland's journey to the NHL was not a straightforward path. He was drafted 194th overall by the New Jersey Devils in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft but did not play for the team. Instead, he honed his skills in the minor leagues, including stints in the ECHL and AHL, before making his NHL debut with the Pittsburgh Penguins during the 2009-2010 season.
Engelland's time with the Penguins saw him develop into a reliable defenseman, known for his toughness and willingness to stand up for his teammates. His role often involved protecting star players and engaging in physical play, which earned him respect in the locker room and among fans. Over five seasons with Pittsburgh, Engelland played in 243 regular-season games, contributing both defensively and offensively when needed.
In 2014, Engelland signed a three-year contract with the Calgary Flames. His tenure with the Flames allowed him to further establish himself as a steady presence on the blue line. Engelland's leadership qualities were recognized in Calgary, where he often served as an alternate captain. His ability to mentor younger players and provide stability on defense was valued by the organization.
The 2017 NHL Expansion Draft marked a new chapter in Engelland's career when he was selected by the Vegas Golden Knights. Returning to his offseason home in Las Vegas, Engelland became an integral part of the Golden Knights' inaugural season. He was named an alternate captain and played a crucial role in fostering team unity and community engagement, especially following the tragic events of the October 1, 2017, shooting in Las Vegas. Engelland's leadership both on and off the ice was instrumental as the Golden Knights made an unexpected run to the Stanley Cup Final in their first season.
Engelland continued to play for the Golden Knights until the end of the 2019-2020 season. During his time with Vegas, he was known not only for his defensive play but also for his community involvement, earning him the Mark Messier Leadership Award in 2018. After the 2019-2020 season, Engelland announced his retirement from professional hockey, leaving behind a legacy of perseverance and leadership.
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