Living in Kazakhstan, and suiting up as one of the top defenders in the KHL, former Saskatoon Blades assistant captain Darren Dietz has seen all parts of the hockey world over the last decade. Undrafted in bantam, Dietz fought through tooth and nail to earn a spot on the Blades roster in 2009, back when Lorne Molleken was calling the shots as head coach. Drafted in the 5th round by the Montreal Canadiens in 2011, Dietz used his intense work ethic and leadership traits to open more doors in his hockey career following junior. He made a quick transition to the AHL with the Hamilton Bulldogs, and finally made his NHL debut in 2016, playing 13 games with the Habs. The bulk of Dietz success in hockey wouldn't come on North American soil, however. The Medicine Hat product made the difficult decision to commit to Barys Astana in the KHL to start the 2017-18 campaign. The risk paid off in an astounding way. Dietz put together an all-star worthy season, named the KHL's top defenceman after leading all blue-liners in goals, assists, and points. Calling in from 12 time-zones away, Dietz discusses the finer details of his hockey career, and how he went from one of junior hockey's most promising young stars, to an international star in Kazakhstan. Plus, Mitch and Les chat about life away from the rink overseas, and how the current COVID crisis is being handled in Europe. Mitch and Les also discuss the latest in the local hockey world, one Blade who's stepping up in the CHL Memorial eCup, and take a final look at whatever's growing on Mitch's upper lip.
