Dietz finishes amazing year in KHL with defenceman honours

By Medicine Hat News on May 30, 2019.

Medicine Hat native Darren Dietz has definitely found his sweet spot as a professional hockey player – in Kazakhstan.

The 25-year-old was named the Kontinental Hockey League’s defenceman of the year earlier this week, leading Barys Astana to the conference semifinal round. He also played for Kazakhstan at the IIHF’s Division 1 tournament, with the team winning a spot into next year’s world championship and Dietz named to the all-star team.

Dietz received his KHL award and delivered an acceptance speech in Russian, a sign of just how well he’s adapted to the culture. He led Barys Astana with 53 points in 62 regular season games, including 15 goals.

It was his second season overseas. After playing four years in the WHL with Saskatoon, he spent parts of five seasons in the AHL and was called up to the Montreal Canadiens for 13 games in 2015-16.

Fellow Hat native Curtis Valk also played for Barys Astana this past season, totalling 27 points in 50 games.