Deryk Engelland to be Inducted into Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame
Former NHL defenseman Deryk Engelland, known for his significant contributions to the Vegas Golden Knights and local sports, is set to be inducted into the Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame. The ceremony will take place Friday at Lee’s Family Forum, where Engelland will be honored among five other local sports figures.
Engelland’s journey to the NHL spanned nearly a decade in the minors, including stints with the ECHL’s Las Vegas Wranglers and other teams. He made his NHL debut with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2009, eventually becoming a regular contributor and securing a contract with the Calgary Flames before returning home to Las Vegas when the Golden Knights selected him in the expansion draft in 2017.
“I don’t think too many guys with my skill set ever have their eyes set on any Hall of Fame,” Engelland remarked, reflecting on his unlikely rise to the NHL. His tenure with the Golden Knights was marked by leadership and a heartfelt moment in the franchise’s history when he addressed the crowd shortly after the 2017 mass shooting in Las Vegas, proclaiming, “We are Vegas Strong.”
With 671 NHL games and 30 career goals, Engelland’s legacy extends beyond statistics. He now works as a special assistant with the Golden Knights Foundation, continuing to impact the community he loves.
Engelland expressed gratitude for the recognition, saying, “It took a long time to figure out what I needed to do to get to that top level.” His dedication has left an indelible mark on Southern Nevada sports, making this induction a fitting tribute to his career. Other inductees include Ron Aitken, Renee Brown, T.J. Lavin, Horrace Smith, and Rick Traasdahl.
For more information, contact Danny Webster at dwebster@reviewjournal.com.
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