Where are they no
For my very first “where are they now” segment, we don’t have to travel very far back in Stampeder history to remember this outstanding young man.
“Daylin Smallchild”
Smallchild grew up in Duck Lake, SK and started his higher level hockey career in 2011-12 with the Sask Valley Vipers Bantam AA of the SBAAHL. From there, he played in 127 games with Beardy’s Blackhawks of the SMHL from 2012-15. He would then suit up for the Yorkton Terriers of the SJHL for one game. The now 22-year-old, played one season with the Onion Lake Border Chiefs of the NEAJBHL, making the jump to Jr.A in 2016 with the Stampeders. Once in the Valley, Smallchild would become a leader for the team, suiting up in 115 games, scoring 9 goals and adding 37 assists in two seasons.
“My time in Swan was great, I made some life long friends, got to play with some great hockey players and had a good coaching staff,” said Smallchild. “I have nothing but good things to say about Swan River. They treat their players like professionals and they have a good program going on there.”
”Just coming to work every day and being consistent on the back end; it was just the push from the coaching staff and teammates that made me want to be better and get to the next level.”
The 6’0” 181 lbs defenceman would graduate from the Stampeder program following the 2018 season and has continued his hockey career overseas. He signed with the Mannheim Bulldogs of the Regionalliga league in Germany, and has since been traded to EC Eppelheim, dressing in three games scoring two goals and adding one assist.
“My time out here has been an eye opener,” stated Smallchild. “I’ve seen a lot of new things while here, the different structure of hockey as well as the big ice surfaces. Going into my 2nd year now I know what to expect night in and night out and that there are no days off. I definitely am enjoying my time out here playing hockey and seeing a different part of the world.”
Smallchild became the first indigenous man from Beardy’s and Okemasis to play professional hockey.
“Where are they Now”
Daylin Smallchild
EV Eppelheim 2019-20
Written by Cody Manchester