Takeaways – Life. Lessons. Learned.
Deryk Engelland
Deryk Engelland hardly needs an introduction as one of the original Las Vegas Golden Knights Misfits, playing from 2017-2020. On the ice he is known for his tough fighting skills. Off the ice he is known as one of the nicest people you can meet. His current title is Special Assistant to the owner of the Golden Knights. His community work has his heart, and is the heart of our community.
In the wake of October 1, Deryk and wife Melissa created Engelland’s Heroes, a foundation raising money for underserved communities and first responders across the Las Vegas Valley. Over time, his work has molded into the Vegas Golden Knights Alumni Foundation which is focused on supporting first responders, underserved youth and the undernourished.
Chasing the dream
Deryk Engelland grew up in a working-class family in Chetwynd, British Columbia. He started skating at the age of 2 and was playing hockey by the time he was 5. He credits his father’s work ethic and leadership, as well as his mother’s unwavering support, for instilling in him the determination and resilience needed to pursue his hockey dreams. Known for his willingness to take on any challenge, whether it was listening to his coaches or engaging in tough physical play, Deryk began his journey in the WHL. Though drafted by the New Jersey Devils in 2000, he was never signed by the team, which led him to question his future in hockey. However, Deryk’s passion and determination kept him going.
Despite facing setbacks, he spent seven years honing his skills in the minor leagues, including time with the Las Vegas Wranglers in the ECHL. Throughout this period, Deryk closely observed the habits and lifestyles of professional athletes, learning valuable lessons that he applied both on and off the ice. His relentless work ethic paid off when, after years of perseverance, he received the long-awaited call-up to the NHL with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Engelland made his NHL debut on November 10, 2009, against the Boston Bruins. That moment was a culmination of years of hard work, and it marked the beginning of a successful NHL career where he became known not just for his physicality but for his leadership and perseverance.
Putting your body on the line for your team
When Deryk Engelland met his wife, Melissa, she initially hesitated to pursue a relationship with him after witnessing him fight another player on the ice during one of his games. For those who know Deryk off the ice, his warm and kind-hearted nature seem at odds with his reputation as a tough enforcer in hockey.
For Deryk, fighting on the ice was never about violence for its own sake. It was about standing up for his teammates, protecting them, and ensuring that the game was played with respect. In hockey, that means putting your body on the line to defend or motivate your team.
Being willing to ‘put your body on the line’ means more than just physical toughness—it’s about prioritizing the team, respecting the game, and standing up for what’s right.
Takeaways From This Episode
- Surround yourself with good leadership but be receptive to the examples they set
- Work on your weaknesses and the things that make you uncomfortable. The growth you gain from that is invaluable
- Every day is a chance to get at least 1% better
- Don’t forget, it’s supposed to be fun
Watch the full Podcast episode to hear Deryk’s motivating take on life and hockey. He breaks down how you can apply the skills of a professional athlete to improve your own performance in any field, at any age. Thank you for listening! Please subscribe to “Takeaways,” rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts.
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