Deryk Engelland’s connection to Las Vegas began with a 2003 professional hockey debut with the Las Vegas Wranglers. And while his sport took him all over the country, he always returned to Las Vegas in the offseason.
Then, when Engelland was drafted by the Vegas Golden Knights in their inaugural season, it was the perfect storm. Engelland’s connection to Las Vegas transcends the hockey arena. He met his wife here, and his children were born here. This was his home and exactly where he wanted to be.
After the October 1 shooting, Engelland helped mend the city’s shattered spirit, speaking out before a crowd of 17,500 at the team’s home opener to honor first responders from that tragic night. His speech and the entire team’s promise to stand by this city solidified the Knights’ commitment to take care of the community—their community, their home.
Engelland and his family also founded Engelland’s Vegas Born Heroes Foundation to honor community heroes in Las Vegas. The mission of the foundation is to publicly recognize and reward charities and community members who consistently help others.
Engelland hosts an annual Police vs. Fire charity hockey game, and he also released his King of Engelland beer, which can be found on tap at Chicago Brewing Co. here in Las Vegas. Proceeds from both directly benefit his foundation.
Engelland had the best season of his NHL career that first year with the Golden Knights. The veteran defenseman continues to prove he is Vegas Strong—on and off the ice.