I’m 29 now.
And weren’t you only about 15 when you first played for the Thunder?
I think I was 15, yeah. Back in 2008.
How is Regan Wilson of 2022 different from that fresh-faced kid 14 years ago?
Oh, I’d say a bit more mature. I’d hope, ha ha. I was definitely the new kid on the block back in 2008 and I had lots to learn. I think I have learned a bit since then and probably developed a bit as a hockey player. Hopefully now I’m the one trying to pass on a little bit of knowledge to the new guys.
What’s the average age of the Thunder squad?
Oh, it’s pretty young. There are a lot of guys with cages.
Cages?
That means they’re under 18. You can hit them. But they have to wear a full face shield, and you can’t go down to the half-visor until you’re over 18. I think in Christchurch there was a full line of guys wearing cages.
Do you sort of analyse your own ability as a player and what you can offer to the team now?
I think I’m probably . . . it’s not the best I’ve ever played. That time has gone. But I think I’m still, how do I put it, I’d like to say I’m still an asset to the Thunder. But I’m definitely not the guy at the front, leading the charge and scoring the goals. I’m a pretty defensive defenceman, and I’m happy to pair up with a young guy who’s got all the talent and let them lead the way.
Fourteen years, 150 games — what keeps you on the ice after all this time?
I just love the sport. I love it, and I’m grateful for everything the sport has given me over the last 10 or 15 years. It’s a nice milestone. I probably would have got there a bit sooner but there were a few seasons with injury and work taking priority. But it’s cool. It’s a small club. On to 200 now.
Favourite memory with the Thunder?
It’s hard to find one moment. But the best season would be the one we made the final, especially just seeing the stadium absolutely packed. It was amazing.
Your better half is Megan Kliegl, who is sort of the queen of the Dunedin ice. She said the Thunder was much more than a sports team — it was a family. Does that resonate with you?
Yeah, absolutely. That’s everything down from management to the youngest guy on the team. It’s all-inclusive. We all get on really well, and when the game’s over, we all go out for a meal or a drink. It’s a real family vibe.
Has the league, and New Zealand ice hockey in general, come on since 2008?
Absolutely. We’re at the point now where there’s young guys going overseas and starting to look at playing professionally. And even just things like attendance at our games. Word of mouth, too — people actually know a bit about New Zealand ice hockey, and the New Zealand Ice Hockey League, whereas we used to get people who didn’t even realise we had an ice rink in Dunedin. It’s definitely grown.
I’d like to play one more game. But I’ve got a lot to work on before then, especially with these young whipper-snappers coming through that are great players. It’s a goal I’d like to achieve.
The Thunder hasn’t been able to win the Birgel Cup yet, and you’ve probably had more losses in recent times than you would like. Can you do it? Can the Thunder win this league?
Absolutely. The recipe needs to be right. This year’s been a bit of a struggle, but we’ve been to the final before and we’ve been close. It’s all about timing and how things work out and who’s here and who’s not.
Will you play for the Thunder as long as it takes to win a title?
I think I’ll play until they kick me out, ha ha. I’ll play until the body can’t keep up.
You are 0-8 so far this season. But is the team heading in the right direction?
I think the last round, against the Canterbury Red Devils, kind of proved that we can skate with these teams. To lose in the last 14 seconds was pretty heartbreaking, but it could easily have gone the other way. We’re very close, and we’re looking forward to that first win.
I mentioned Megan, or Mrs Thunder as I suppose she is known — although she’s not married yet (hint, hint). Does she keep you guys in line?
She does keep the Thunder in line. Even before an interview, I get told what not to say, ha ha.
How long have you been in the police, and how have you found balancing the demands of the job with your sport?
I think I’m coming up seven years now. It’s a big commitment, and it has been tough sometimes. But I’m pretty lucky. My boss has been supportive, and it’s just about juggling work hours with ice hockey. It works out, and I use a bit of leave here and there to make it fit.
When did you become a dog handler?
In 2016, and I graduated with my first operational role in 2017. I love it. It was always the dream. I pretty much joined the police with the ambition to become a dog handler, and I’ve never looked back. I love every day. I always say to people, if I won Lotto, I’d still go to work. It’s a great job.
Do you just work with one dog at a time?
I have one dog that I’m validated to use. We also foster pups to bring them through and train them, and we have a lot of interaction with dogs that are with other handlers.
Who is your dog now?
I’ve got Vann. He’s 5.
How’s the Regan-Vann relationship going?
It’s pretty cool. I got him when he was seven and a-half weeks old, and had him till he was 19 months. Then he went off to another handler, before I had a permanent position. Now it’s come full circle and I’ve got him back.
- The Dunedin Thunder hosts the Botany Swarm in NZIHL games tonight and tomorrow night.
