Photo credit: Steve Dunsmoor

By Regan Bartel

Dylan Wightman on losing close friends

Rockets veteran opens up on saying goodbye on trade deadline day

Jan 11, 2024 | 12:00 PM

It is rarely talked about.

In a game as hardnosed as hockey, the subject is often avoided.

While the focus on the Western Hockey League trade deadline is on the players acquired, and the building of a championship roster with Memorial Cup aspirations, in many dressing rooms across the CHL, deep friendships that are formed among teammates are often pulled apart with an unexpected transaction.

“It is always a stressful time,” veteran Rockets forward Dylan Wightman told RocketFAN. “Every year doesn’t get any easier. You never know what is going to happen. It is tough that you could be out the door or you are going to lose some of your close buddies.”

Wightman saw two teammates walk out of the dressing room Wednesday before a game against Seattle. Veteran John Babcock was traded to Saskatoon while Ismail Abougouche was dealt to Edmonton.

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“We had a chance to say goodbye to them,” he said. “You hope it wouldn’t be a game day so you could say goodbye to them outside of the rink. It is hard to lose friends, especially since we’ve [Babcock and himself] been together since I came into the league. When you say goodbye to a teammate, you think you are going to be better off the next time it happens, but it is always sad.”

Wightman is now the only player on the Rockets roster who played under former head coach Adam Foote, who is now an assistant coach to Rick Tocchet with the Vancouver Canucks. Foote was gassed in February 2020 and replaced by current head coach Kris Mallette.

With Babcock being a four-year veteran, and Wightman being one of a trio of 20-year-olds on the team, the bond was close.

“He was awesome,” Wightman said glowingly about Babcock. “He will be my friend forever. John is a standup guy and always put others in front of himself. Anytime we did anything as a team, he was there. I will always respect him and keep in touch.”

On a player level, Babcock goes to a team in Saskatoon that is projected to go a long way in the playoffs, with general manager Colin Priestner not afraid to admit to the media it is WHL championship or bust.

Wightman, with a team high 186 regular season games under his belt, admitted during his final conversation and friendly embrace with the 19-year-old Babcock, winning a title was the last thing on his mind.

“At the moment, it is tough to say goodbye to your buddies,” Wightman said honestly. “As the days and hour go on, he will come to the realization that it is exciting to play on a different team. Going to Saskatoon, it will be a good spot. He will know Trevor [Wong], but in the moment it is tough to say goodbye.”

The same holds true for second year d-man Ismail Abougouche. While Wightman’s relationship with the Lac La Biche product was shorter, it doesn’t make it any easier.

“’Izzy’ came in last year and was a great teammate too,” Wightman added. “He is another guy I will stay in touch with for the rest of my life. He was a great kid. He came in and made our team last year as a 16-year-old and was awesome in the room. The in-the-room stuff and the friendships build doesn’t get in the media as much, but it is a big part of trade deadline day for sure.”

Abougouche is now with the Edmonton Oil Kings, with the Rockets getting back another defenseman in return, with 18-year-old Carter Kowalyk joining the team in Prince George this weekend.

“I am the last guy from when I came into the league,” Wightman said about the massive changeover in personal since he broke into the WHL as an affiliate player, dressing for 10 games in the 2019-2020 season. “Every year the room is different, but the new guys that have come in have been great and have fit in, but it is still hard to see teammates go if they are either aging out or getting traded.”

Wightman admits he is excited to see teammates getting a second chance. No better example exists then former teammate Turner McMillen failing to earn an overage spot with the Rockets this season, finding a home in the SJHL with the Estevan Bruins, before returning to the WHL with the Prince Albert Raiders.

“That is awesome, and he deserve a spot in the league,” Wightman showing again his care for his fellowman. “I was surprised that no one picked him up in October, but I am happy that he found a spot.

“For me and the other 20-year-olds, this is our last chance to go as far as we can, so now its about resetting and making sure we are ready to go as a group.”