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Saturday, November 23, 2024 at 2:56 PM

Golden Knight's Defenseman Deryk Engelland Announces His Retirement

After 11 seasons, 671 total games, and one Stanley Cup Finals appearance, Las Vegas native and original Golden Knight Deryk Engelland is calling it a career.
Golden Knight's Defenseman Deryk Engelland Announces His Retirement
Golden Knight's Defenseman Deryk Engelland giving his famous speech before the inaugural home opener against the Arizona Coyotes

Author: Courtesy: Joel Angel Juarez/Las Vegas Review Journal

The team announced Tuesday morning that the longtime veteran would not be returning for another season with the team.  The team also announced that he will remain with the team as a Special Assistant to Golden Knights owner Bill Foley and will help out with charitable initiatives for the organization.

Engelland began his career in the minor leagues. He spent time in the Western Hockey League, the East Coast Hockey League, and the American Hockey League. During this time, he played his first two seasons of professional hockey with the now extinct Las Vegas Wranglers. It was not until the 2009-10 season that he stepped foot into the National Hockey League.  He made his rookie debut that season for the Pittsburgh Penguins, and went on to play five seasons with the team.  He spent the following three seasons with the Calgary Flames before being selected in the expansion draft by the Vegas Golden Knights. 

Engelland played three seasons with the Golden Knights, including the 2017-18 seasons where he set career highs in assists, total points, and average time on ice.  Arguably his biggest contribution of the season however, occurred just before puck drop of the first ever home hockey game in Las Vegas.  On that night, he delivered a heartfelt speech to first responders, members of the Las Vegas community and the families of the victims that were still recovering from the events of One October. 

Engelland went on to serve as the “pseudo-captain” for the team and helped lead them to a birth in the Stanley Cup finals in the team’s first season.  Engelland’s role diminished over the next two seasons due to his age, but he still played a vital role in helping to maintain a leadership dynamic within the locker room.

Engelland's career began in Las Vegas, and it is fitting that his career ended here.  He has been a staple with the fan base and will continue to do great things within the Las Vegas community.

 


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