Derek “Wilkie” Wilkinson, hockey star & Charlotte Checkers Sr. VP of Hockey Operations, talks choices, talent and passion

No, it was an interesting day because… because the draft was in Montreal and I had never flown before.

In an airplane?

In an airplane, until that point, so I think it was…I hadn’t turned 18 yet, I was 17 and that was the first time I had flown.

How did you get to Ireland?

That was later, that was the end of my career. I took a boat, yeah. (laughing) But so that was great, it was a thrill. I mean, you don’t think you’re going to be drafted even though you read this stuff, but then to go to Tampa Bay, they’re an expansion team. So I ended up being the first goalie they ever drafted in that franchise.

Were you like watching a TV? Is that how it works?

No, we were live. We were in the building. Yeah, we were actually in the building and they have the table set up and the monitors where they announce your name and you go down and meet everybody.

Were you with your family?

Yeah, and that was a lot of fun. And the parties after and just that, it’s kind of a neat experience for everybody to share in it. And then from there, I say again, still play junior. And you still have to earn a contract, and they still have to want you as a part of their system.

Even though you’ve been drafted?

Even though you’ve been drafted. I mean, that gives that team your rights, but if they choose that they don’t think you’re going to make it, they don’t have to do anything with you.

So what do you have to do in that window of time?

You’ve got to keep showing improvement, and kind of keep trying, I guess, to get to as best a level as you can for your age. And then the one thing– about pro, the junior you have a window, it’s like 16 years old to like 19 or 20. But when you’re looking at professional, I mean, you’re looking at, you know, guys from 18 to 35, 36. So I was, when I turned pro, I was 19.

Wow. So no college.

No, and I didn’t go to play in college. I just took college courses and tried to get as many as I could. But that was one of the, that was a really tough decision, especially, you know, I see kids now with the same one. It’s tough when you’re that young trying to figure out, do I do this or do I do that? And I had some offers from Michigan and Michigan State. And, you know, those were schools I dreamed of playing at. And then to go the other way, it worked out well.

But it’s a little more serious.

You look, all of a sudden, you know, you’re playing kids hockey. You’re doing a lot of things. But just to make a life decision like that, you’re like, man, at that young, it’s, you know, you go, “geez, I could go four years. Great school if I don’t ever play pro, I’ve got a great degree and life experience.”

Yeah, you got all those things and, you know, take the other path. There’s a lot more risk to it, but, um, but it worked out. So those were tough decisions to make early. But, um, but yeah, the pro thing is interesting because again, you go from kind of like you’re with your peer group all the time within a year or two, and then all of a sudden you’re, you’re with men. You’re the guy, you know, you show up in the locker room and, they’ve got kids and you’re the youngest and on the youngest end. And, you know, you understand now, when they said and used the word professional, it really it hits you hard. You’re like, “wow, this is, this is their life.” Like this is theirs, and “I’m going to be one of these people. I’ve got to figure some stuff out.”

So do you, did that humble you? Because that was going to be my next question. Like how did you balance trying to, or did you stay humble?

Well, you’re also in awe too, because you know, you’re playing against the people that you idolize also, like you’re one of them.

You’re like I want an autograph.

Yeah, you’re one of them, as they’re scoring goals on me. I’m like, geez, can you stop and give me an autograph here? But yeah, but that was the most surreal part. It was like, you know, it’s almost fictional when you’re watching on TV and you’re getting their hockey cards and you’re talking with your buddies about these guys and the next thing you know, you’re on the ice with them competing in the same thing. You’re just kind of like, yeah, there were some moments where you’re like, you know, “geez. is this really happening? “ And you have to try to snap out of it the best you can, ’cause you’re there to compete with them and try to be better.

But then when you go back home and you’re the guy, and you know, when you’re the guy that’s professional with all your friends and the egos, probably like, whoo, they’re growing, growing.

They keep me humble. Yeah, they just pull out my stats and go, “what are you doing?” (laughing) Yeah, I got a real fun bunch. So it was always neat with that. So it was never, I guess with my group, with my family it was, I mean, it was, everybody enjoyed it, but it wasn’t, wasn’t over the top like that. Everybody knew it was, it was, we were lucky to be a part of it.

Do you have any regrets with that timeframe of your life?

Not really, I think I fell into some really good spots and, you know, from a life perspective and just kind of hit some, you know, some areas at the right time and just people you meet and, again, like coming here. My wife at the time’s best friend lived here and they’re like, you know, “Charlotte’s awesome.” “It’s a growing market.” You know, my wife’s from the South. She’s from Columbia. And, you know, I was like, “All right, well, “I can go there and play a little bit.” Well, I’ve sorted out what I was doing. I was in between contracts and we came here and just loved it. And, you know, you look back and you’re like, “Jeez, if that doesn’t happen, you know, I’m never here.” None of these things potentially happened. And maybe we don’t have kids. , the whole bit. So it’s amazing how those little life things turn into bigger moments. But then to have been here for as long as they have, doing this with the checkers is beyond fortunate. I mean, it’s just, it’s been very unique. We’ve gone through some different ownerships and some different things while I’ve been here. And then our owner now, Michael Kahn, who’s obviously Wendy Kahn, set me up for this. But they have been wonderful.

Thanks for coming by the way (laughing).

Totally getting me, you know, like good gosh, something’s coming around the corner here. But yeah, like you said, if some of those things don’t happen, and the quality of life here, we live in Fort Mill and just to be in Charlotte and this beautiful city, especially over the last couple of decades, I mean, the change is remarkable.

Easy, comfortable, nice weather, better than Canada.

Great place to raise kids and the whole bit. So yeah, we’ve been just very fortunate with it. So I don’t, to say regrets or anything like that, yeah, would you like to have played a better game here or there, maybe or something, but overall it’s worked out very, very well.

So how did the transition work? So how many years were you with Tampa Bay and then what was your next step?

Once I stopped playing pro, just before I actually stopped playing, that’s when I started playing. that’s when I had spent some time in Charlotte and the front office at the time, we had the opportunity to intern a little bit and just learn like, what do you guys do? You know, what do the sales people do? And so I started doing that and then helping out a little bit on the hockey operation side, you know, organizing and trying to recruit players and went and played my last year. And when I came back, they were like, well, would you want to keep doing that? And I said, sure. And I ended up getting, at the same time, getting my real estate license. A good friend of mine was doing it and really enjoyed it. So I went and got that. So I partnered with him, and they were with Allen Tate at the time. And I was kind of doing both and really enjoying the real estate piece of it. And it was booming in Charlotte. So there was a lot to learn. It was happening pretty quick. And I really enjoyed that. It just made my mind work in a different way. But at the same time, I was still working with the Checkers in the front office and learning that. And then they asked, “Okay, would you like to get on the ice and start coaching?” And I was like, “Well, sure.” You know, as an assistant, never really thinking–

And how was that transition from player to coach? The assistant coach – Changing caps.

Yeah, assistant coach was easy because again, you’re almost like one of the guys, you know, you’re not the heavy. You’re not making the end decisions and stuff. So I enjoyed that, that was fun. I started doing a lot more of the management stuff, which I was really, I don’t know, it kind of came naturally to me.

And how old were you at mid 20s?

Late late 20s? Yeah. So I guess the late 20s.

That’s young for an assistant coach, right?

Yeah. Well, yeah, I don’t feel it, but yeah. Then unfortunately the coach at the time, we had gone through a couple of ownership changes and the coach at the time got let go and they were like, well, you know, you’re here. Do you want to just be the head guy for the finish out the season for us until we can kind of regroup everything and see what we’re doing? And I said sure and

How was that it was that

It was eye -opening because my when I grew up my dad was a really good coach and he had that weird You know just that you know kind of a really tough approach and I was the exact opposite

I think teaching and coaching, you kind of have to have it or you dont. Theres a line..

Yes, it was an eye -opener for me to actually be in the hot seat in that position but we did pretty good. And I was like, well, hey, I think this might work. I’ll try it another year. Again, just a transition through some ownership stuff. It was never anything I thought I would do long term. And then another ownership change came. We started doing pretty well. And that’s when Michael Kahn bought it and said, hey, I want you to keep doing this. And I did and I had good people and he’s awesome. It was great, but it was a lot to learn for me. It was definitely not a natural. It wasn’t something I had on my bucket list. Like one day I want to coach. I guess, no, not at all. Another series of bad decisions. That was one of them too. So stressful (laughing)

That’s a great place to fall into though, right? So where did? that was 30s, late 20s, 30s?

Yeah, so I was general manager and coach and then when we moved leagues, we were in the East Coast League. It was a double A league and we moved up to the triple A league and affiliated with the Carolina Hurricanes and they had their own coaches that were already contracted so I stayed in the management role didn’t do the coaching and that was you know that was great so it was it worked out well so then just been now the same thing just managed all the operations stayed all the time I’ll jump on every once in a while help out you know if there’s with some of the coaching if just in a you know I’m here you know if they’re on the road and there’s guys that need to be conditioned or whatever and all that stuff so I still do a little bit of it to have some fun by but–

More behind the scenes in a way.

I’m 100 % behind the scenes.

One of the many men behind the curtain.

You bet, but yeah, so it’s been a nice transition. And it’s a fun sport. My girls love it. They never played it, but they love watching it. So, I mean, I guess if you wanna say one regret, it’s not even a regret, but one of the things that would have been great is if they could have saw me play. They were born after I ended up playing, which is– probably good for them, but they pull up some stuff and it’s a lot of fun. But yeah, that would have been fun. But if that would have worked out, that would have been great. But yeah, they had to live through the other stuff. Living through this stuff, I guess. But yeah, so anyways, yeah, let’s go.

So my next question is, I’m a healer, so I’m all about sort of mindset, getting to know yourself, self -awareness. What would you say is one of the biggest tools that you use to deal with the stress and the pressure as a player and as a coach? So like with lots of stress, lots of pressure, is there something that you would do? Like did you meditate? Did you tell yourself a certain mantra? Did you breathe or did you not remember anything?

Well, there’s a mental condition, I think, for what I did. I was a habit guy. You could probably…everything on my body that was left went on first.

Wait, say that again.

My left shoe would go on, my left sock, my left leg, my left. When I would take my off or put my stuff on to play a game and or practice.

It’s almost like superstitious in a way?

Superstitious, that’s the word I was looking for. That was, that kept me safe. And then another thing that I found from a meditation standpoint was driving and music. Like listening, driving and music and just kind of…

Are you a musician? Do you like music?

I do.

Do you like Taylor Swift? Say yes. Or I’m leaving.

I have to say yes. Yes, actually I have tickets to go see her in November in Toronto.

Oh my gosh, amazing.

The girls won one of those lottery things.

Oh my, which was so hard to get in too, yeah. Tell her hey!

Yeah, well I’m sure we’ll be in the front row, yeah. We’ll be landing planes from where we’re at, I’m sure (laughing) but yeah, that was one of the things I did for sure. And you know, music was a great way for me to, you know, just kind of focus.

Playing it or listening to it?

Well, listening to it as I got older, but we did play it younger as we discussed a little bit. I just grew up with it. That was part of the Canadian school system. So you, you played music.

So what did you play?

Well I mean, after we got past the, what do you call it, the recorder and the hot cross buns, we’d got into.

Hot cross buns. (laughing)

Well you got to choose, either you could do instrument or you could do percussion, so I got into percussion, and we did that for years, I mean, I got through, all the way through, up until high school, and then when in high school, finally got to go into the class, we got to play the full set of drums, so I wouldn’t call myself a drummer, but I played the full set of drums for a while.

I love that, and I think that’s interesting, because I think people think meditation. is like you’re sitting at a cushion and your eyes are closed, but I think there are so many ways to have a moving meditation or music can be in meditation, especially the drums, which are like that grounding. That grounding sound was probably really helpful for you to calm, get into your body.

Yeah, and then also go the other way too, like if you’re not feeling yourself or if you feel like you need a little pick -me -up, and that works the same, both of them. That’s why I found it’s such a good, you know, you can lose yourself in it, you can decompress and then you can also, lift, exactly. That’s a great word and and so yeah So I’ve always had that as a background all my life You know all my you know everybody that I grew up with even my parents I mean it’s always been a it’s always been a things for us is music or being some somehow musically inclined. So that was a nice background to have it just a part of you know living there. You know wish they had it here as a part of the, I know they do singing and stuff, but actual instruments.

Right, actually we have a drum set right back here..

We’ll get it going.

You’re gonna play us the song.

Oh yeah, there you go, yeah. That’ll be good. That’ll get your ratings going.

(all laughing)

So shifting gears a little bit. So this is who you are today, and where are you going in the future? Let’s talk about your place with youth hockey and Charlotte and what your passion is. there.

Yeah, we’ve been you know obviously lucky, when you’re young and you get started out, you don’t realize how much time people put in for you to play any type of sport . Whether, anything you do. Like my daughters do dance, the amount of hours people put in volunteer work and stuff. You’re just doing it. You just kind of think it’s great mom dad whoever shows up and you go and then when you’re when you kind of get out of doing it and you look back and you would go to an arena to work with a youth hockey practice and they would be like, okay, yeah, you need to talk to these five people and then go on the ice and you’re like, wait a second. There’s just the amount of volunteers, it was really cool to see. And then you realize, well, what can we do to give back? So about seven, eight years ago, we started up a Junior Checkers program, I guess I own it.

Do they practice in the Checkers arena?

Yeah, we have it right at Bojangles.

That’s probably really fun for them.

Yeah, we’re at Bojangles Coliseum, and what we were able to do is we really just kind of put our whole thought process into exposing the game to all kinds of, not only kids that play now, but other kids that have never, never don’t even know what hockey is. And I partnered up with Zach Hulle, and we did a deal with the Hurricanes and National Hockey League, which is called the First Goal Program. and it’s geared towards kids that are boys and girls five to nine, years old, that they can have skating experience, but not really hockey experience, and they pay a very low fee, they get a full set of equipment, skate, stick, helmet bag, everything, and six or seven ice sessions that we teach, and the idea is to try to expose them to the game, but then to get them to love it like we do, and stick with it. And we’ve had incredible success

I love that. Dedication, loyalty, yeah.

Yeah, so we’ve been about, we have seven years, one year we lost with COVID, so but we’re six years into it now, and we’ve had over 500 kids, boys and girls, try it. And we have a retention rate of somewhere between 70 and 80 % where the national average is around 15, and we’ve just had a, we’ve just hit a home run here with the boys and girls doing that. So that’s become a passion. We now have a U12 division, a U10 division, and our U8s. We’ve got about 100 full -time kids. Then we also graduate the kids to the other markets, the other rinks in town that have, if they live closer or if they wanna try the travel, like the higher level hockey, we graduate them into there. One of the neat things that we have, and we can’t figure it out, we’re not that smart obviously. So we have three out of every 10 of our kids that sign up are girls.

Ooh.

Yeah, which is fantastic.

That is so fun.

Yeah, so now we get to the point now in Charlotte where we have full -time girls only teams that are really good.

Love that.

Yeah, so that’s been just strange, we can’t put it, we don’t know why.

You’re doing something right.

Yeah, we don’t wanna think about it too much ’cause we don’t wanna change anything. But it’s been wonderful. The building’s been great. Bojangles, and yeah, those little boys really get out there. There’s a lot of smiles. There’s some tears.

I’m sure, yeah.

But they get out there and the arena just seems, you know, just gigantic.

Oh my gosh, yeah. And I know having an 11 -year -old boy, I’ve had many parents be like, don’t get him into hockey, it’s so expensive.

It is expensive, yeah.

So for you to make it accessible to people, I think that’s really key.

That’s the key, yeah.

Versus like flag football, which is like nothing.

Right, yeah, and that’s the beauty of what we do is, so we have it from September to April, which is pretty much the pro season, the ice is open and available, but our kids all play other sports. So they’re in soccer, they’re into football, they’re into lacrosse, whatever they can play. So for us, this is just one of the things they do, not the thing they do, and if we have them, that want to do that full time, then we get them to the programs that do that, and it’s worked out really, really well.

So if I was a parent watching this, and I had a child and you were piquing my interest, what would you say? How does this benefit like the development of the child in terms of not the sports part, but just does that give them, you said loyalty, dedication?

Well, it really does, but I just think from a confidence standpoint, when we try, just as anybody, you try something new, you know, you have the apprehension.

Walk through that fear.

Yeah, right, and so here’s an opportunity to step on the ice in a professional arena, in skates and equipment that you’ve probably never seen before. You don’t maybe understand what’s happening, but you’re with all the same people are doing the exact same thing with you.

Oh, it’s a community.

Yeah, so they meet new people. You know, there’s times we’ve had kids that lived in the same neighborhood, didn’t have any idea they’re both signing up for the same program. You know, parents are in the stands, like, hey, wait a second, I know you, I know, you know, and they’re in the same neighborhood.

That’s great.

Now they’re friends and it really does become a– You’re working through something together that you’ve never done before. So it’s so encouraging to see the kids, the high fives, they all fall, we all do. The first thing we teach them is how to fall and get up. But just see that encouragement and their confidence is great. And then, you’ve learned a new skill.

Oh yeah, that’s probably more important than the actual, you know, physical…

 Yeah, but you’re skating, skating’s hard. That’s a difficult thing to do, but just to learn that balance. and again, that just, it’s the whole fear and overcoming the fear of, wow, this is actually really, this is really neat, and then they’ll always be able to say, you know, “yeah, I played hockey.” People are like yeah sure you did?

I love it.

Like, I played the drums, right?

Right, exactly. (laughing)

Like, sure you did, yeah.

We’re so glad that you came to Charlotte, because that sounds like a really amazing–

It’s been fun, yeah.

You’re adding to the Charlotte community in that way.

Yeah, we found a nice little spot that the market needed, and the other rinks too. Like Pineville Ice House and the Extreme Center, they do their Learn to Play too, but they’ve got everything. I mean, those are full on businesses 24 /7. This is just something we love to do and we’re able to provide it. And we got a good sponsor this year with Mellow Mushroom. It’s growing so that the exposure for the kids were able to do more things. We just went to Charleston last weekend for their first ever tournament they’ve ever been in and we had a blast. You know, it didn’t cost the parents any money. other than hotel night, and they loved it. It was great, just to get another life experience hotel hanging out with your friends, and it’s just very rewarding to see–

I love it.

Yeah, these kids come through, but yeah, it’s a fun program, and the city’s great. I mean, they sponsor it as well, we don’t have to pay for the ice for it, so everybody kind of pitches in to keep it as cheap as we possibly can.

That’s amazing. So if somebody wants to reach out to you, do you have a website or a handle that you want to share with people?

Yeah, juniorcheckers .com. You can go on there. All the information is on that site and our numbers are on there too. We actually talk to you. It’s not just that you can email but you can call us. We have a lot of parents again, you just don’t know, right? So sometimes you don’t even know what to say in an email to get started. So our numbers are there. You just give us a call, we walk you through it. Oftentimes the phone calls we get are more given, like driven to, hey, you live, you know, you’re down in the Pineville, you’re in the South Charlotte area. Hey, here, let’s call them. You know, we’ll call them for them. Here’s your opportunity. You know, a lot of people who move in from the North are already playing. We get a lot of calls like that. And then for the kids that, yeah, they’ll want to just, you know, give it a shot then just give us a call. We always open up about May for registration for the fall. It starts up again in September. And, uh… but we’ll walk you through it to jrcheckers.com.

All right, take notes, everybody. Take notes, reach out.

It’s really cool. Yeah, it’s a really neat program.

That’s amazing.