Wenatchee Wild Stories - #17 Damon Bickler

The Wenatchee Wild is a Junior A hockey team who play in the British Columbia Hockey League.

The BCHL is a great league to earn a full ride scholarship at Universities across North America.

The Wild play in the 4,300 seat Town Toyota Center. “The Wolves Den” has provided loud support during their play in the NAHL (North American Hockey League) from 2008 - 2015 and recently in the BCHL (from 2015 to present).

The Wenatchee Wild are led by Head Coach Chris Clark.

Wenatchee Wild

Our next edition of this season's Wenatchee Wild Stories - Features defenseman #17, Damon Bickler. Damon is 17 years of age, playing his first season with the Wild. He is a product of the Dallas Stars youth hockey program. Before joining the team, Damon played in the USA Hockey Development program.

Wenatchee Wild

Connor: Damon, thanks for hangin’ with us. Where’s home?

Damon Bickler: Wenatchee, Washington

C: What is your favorite NHL team?

DB: The Vancouver Canucks.

C: Who is your favorite NHL player and why?

DB: Quinn Hughes (alternate captain for Vancouver), just with his speed. He’s a smaller defenseman like myself, and I think I can fit into a role like him.

C: What is your earliest memory of hockey?

DB: My first time ever holding a hockey stick, not even being able to skate.

C: Who inspired you to want to play hockey at a higher level?

DB: I’d have to go with my dad – he didn’t play at a really high level, but just seeing him working to compete really inspired me.

C: What do you like about Wenatchee?

DB: I love the town – it’s a great town to live in and the fans themselves are probably one of the best parts here.

Wenatchee Wild

C: What are your favorite places to eat in Wenatchee and what do you order?

DB: It’s got to be Chipotle, just a Chipotle burrito, the standard hockey-kid meal.

C: What is your favorite opposing arena to play at and why?

DB: I’m going to say Cranbrook – the lighting’s great, the atmosphere there is great. I’m always on my A-game there, so I’ve got to stay biased.

C: What is something Coach Clarky has taught you since you joined the Wenatchee Wild?

Damon Bickler: Really bringing out the physical side of the game and staying tough, staying up in the rush, making good passes as a key and not making as many mistakes.

Connor: Damon, thanks for taking time with us! You can follow the Wenatchee Wild's #17, Damon Bickler on Twitter: @BicklerDamon

The Wild will heading North for yet another roadtrip, the weekend of February 25th & 26th. Stay connected and listen to every minute of action with the voice of the Wenatchee Wild - Austin Draude, on Newsradio 560 KPQ.

Their next home game in the Wolves Den is Saturday March 4th vs. the Chilliwack Chiefs

Friday night February 25th

Wenatchee Wild @ Penticton Vees

7pm puck drop

South Okanagan Events Centre - Penticton, BC

Radio: Newsradio 560 KPQ (and on the free KPQ app for ANY device)

Streaming online: HOCKEYTV

Saturday night February 26th

Wenatchee Wild @ Merritt Centennials

7pm puck drop

Nicola Valley Memorial Arena - Merritt, BC

Radio: Newsradio 560 KPQ (and on the free KPQ app for ANY device)