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Remembering A Former Golden Knight: Deryk Engelland

The Vegas Golden Knights have a penchant for having feisty defensemen. From Alex Pietrangelo to originals like Brayden McNabb, Vegas has built out a niche. How did Deryk Engelland fit in and where is he now?

By Jacob Walters |
Colorado Avalanche v Vegas Golden Knights
Colorado Avalanche v Vegas Golden Knights / Ethan Miller/GettyImages
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Golden Knight fans have their list of favorite all-time players. These consist of the likes of Jack Eichel, Marc-Andre Fleury, and William Karlsson. However, one overlooked player played defense for Vegas and has become a mainstay in the Las Vegas hockey community. That player is Deryk Engelland.

Originally drafted in the 2017 Expansion Draft from the Calgary Flames, Engelland was brought in to bring toughness to the Golden Knights. Boy, did the defenseman bring the tough factor, with his imposing size and physical style setting the tone!

What else did Engelland bring to the table? How is he helping the Las Vegas community now? These are mysteries we shall explore as we look into his tenure as a Vegas Golden Knight.

1. Vegas Origins

Baller Dream Celebrity Poker Tournament
Baller Dream Celebrity Poker Tournament / Gabe Ginsberg/GettyImages

Believe it or not, Deryk Engelland was living in Las Vegas before being drafted by the Golden Knights. He even spent time with the Las Vegas Wranglers from 2003 to 2005, making himself feel at home in the ECHL. He was the definition of "Sin City Hockey" before it was even cool.

So why not bring him in for three seasons to become an ambassador for the team? There's more on his charitable work in the community later. But Engelland knew Las Vegas like the back of his hand before being a Golden Knight. Along the way, he built a home and established roots in Nevada.

2. Engelland's Stat Line

Chicago Blackhawks v Vegas Golden Knights
Chicago Blackhawks v Vegas Golden Knights / Ethan Miller/GettyImages

In his three seasons with the Golden Knights, Deryk Engelland didn't light up the scoresheet much. He only had eight goals and 33 assists during his Vegas tenure. He was an unimpressive offensive talent by every stretch.

But his defensive work? He was pretty good at that, blocking 388 shots with Vegas. On top of that, he tallied 405 hits and 66 takeaways. He was more of a defenseman by trade than another offensive piece for the Golden Knights.

Engelland was even the recipient of the Mark Messier Leadership Award in 2017-2018. Being in the same award class as Sidney Crosby, Steven Stamkos, and Chris Chelios is an honor among itself. But it's something the defenseman has earned, specifically as a Golden Knight.

3. Deryk Engelland's Work Now

NASCAR Cup Series South Point 400
NASCAR Cup Series South Point 400 / Sean Gardner/GettyImages

After retiring in 2019-2020, Engelland had his sights set on giving back to the Las Vegas community. He started the Vegas Born Heroes Foundation, honoring Las Vegas citizens who went above and beyond in the city. In fact, his organization went as far as honoring a hero every home game for the 2018-2019 Golden Knights season.

The former Golden Knights player has also donated to various communities in Sin City. That includes giving $8,000 to Serving Our Kids in January to combat childhood hunger and hosting a charity poker tournament at the Palms Casino in October. All of this came with the transition to becoming owner Bill Foley's assistant and joining the Vegas Golden Knights Foundation.

You won't find a better ambassador for Las Vegas hockey than Deryk Engelland. The 41-year-old has shared his love of Sin City with the community, giving back to the city (and franchise) that gave him an opportunity.

(Stats provided by hockeyreference.com)

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