From young fan to defensive forward

Dylan Wightman and the late comedian Rodney Dangerfield have something in common: neither gets any respect.

Defensive forwards typically get little credit because their names don’t often show up on the score sheet.

“I think I have always been a responsible player’, Wightman told RocketFAN. “I have a good eye and figure out systems. I hope I can be a guy that is out there in key situations in those shutdown moments, but I am also wanting to take a step in my offensive game too.”

Named the Rockets’ Most Improved Player last season, Wightman was a fixture on the penalty kill, playing major minutes while putting up 14 points (4+10=14) in 54 games.

Born and raised in Kelowna, Wightman follows in the footsteps of ex-players like Josh Gorges, Clayton Barthel, Jonathon Smart, Jackson Whistle, Chris Ray, and Alex Swetlikoff to have their birth certificate point out that they were born and raised in this beautiful area.

“Getting to live at home with my family is probably the biggest plus”, Wightman admitted. “I was a huge Rockets fan growing up. I was at every game and now it is cool to be a role model to younger people just like the alumni did for me.”

Who was Wightman’s favourite player as a kid?

“Luke Schenn was a really nice guy to me. At every team event, I gravitated forwards him”, Wightman recalls. “He always had time for me. I hope to be the same for young people now”.

It is hard to believe, but Schenn is now the oldest player on the Vancouver Canucks roster at 32, with 836 NHL games under his belt.

Like teammate Max Graham, Wightman was never selected in the WHL Prospects Draft.

“It stung for a little bit (not to get drafted), but about a week after I got an invite to the Rockets rookie camp, so that was a dream come true.”

Eventually listed by the team, Wightman’s confidence increased when he realized he was better than many of his minor hockey peers.

“When all the friends you grew up with stop playing with you, and you are getting to play on teams in a wider catchment area, playing for Okanagan or BC teams, that is a good indication you are improving and getting better than others.”

Wightman was quick to point out, he is very humbled to be in the position he is today.

“I was never a star player. I’ve been chugging along and just putting the work in and it seems to work out.”

The pressure to play at Prospera Place as a home grown talent must be significant, but the approachable Wightman is trying to keep cool under pressure.

“It is definitely pressure-packed when you are trying to get used to it”, Wightman added. “You start to tune out the crowd. In my first couple of games as an affiliated player, that is all I was thinking about. Now you just tune it out.”

Wightman has gained the trust of head coach Kris Mallette. That means taking a key faceoff in the defensive zone, with time ticking down and protecting a one goal lead.

“I perform best under pressure like that”, Wightman admitted. “Now that I’ve been put in positions like that, I’m confident I can always win those draws”.

Coming off a 42-win season, which featured a top five finish in the Western Conference last season with 99 points, what are the expectations in 2022-2023 in Wightman’s eyes?

“I am excited with the group we have. We have a great group of guys returning and the new guys look good. They are real competitive and want to be in the lineup every night, so they are pushing us old guys to be better.”