Waterloo defenseman Dylan Compton carries the puck up ice. Waterloo Black Hawks / Stephanie Lyn Photography.When Bryn Chyzyk had the opportunity to add Dylan Compton last February, it was an easy decision to bolster Waterloo’s blue line.
Compton found himself in a unique situation as his team, the Brooks Bandits, left the AJHL for the BCHL. He had previously played 42 games with the BCHL’s Vernon Vipers and played one more BCHL game with Brooks. However, Compton wanted a new opportunity and was interested in the USHL.
Chyzyk had seen the Northeastern commit play multiple times and the Black Hawks’ GM viewed him as a potential weapon in the offensive zone. Chyzyk felt Waterloo’s coaching staff could continue improving the defensive side of his game too, and he’d be put in a position to succeed.
It’s safe to say that theory panned out, as Compton has flourished this winter.
“Right away you can see his brain and his ability to manipulate seems, and just his ability to find plays,” Chyzyk said. “I think as a second-year player in our league though we’re seeing another level of comfort with the puck and he knows the pace, and he does a good job picking his spots at both ends of the rink.”
The Victoria, B.C. native currently sits third among USHL defensemen with 30 points through 42 games, and his 28 assists rank fifth among USHL skaters overall.
He also quarterbacks the Black Hawks’ power play, which ranks seventh in the USHL at 23%, and has grown more confident with the puck on his stick. Compton has 17 (2-15-17) of his 30 points on the man advantage and has shown his ability to facilitate plays and handle pressure.
“I think my game has improved massively this year and I’ve been able to have some success, but I’ve really tried to just round out my game,” Compton said. “I think from talking with the coaching staff here my focus was to really improve the defensive side of my game, and I think from the start of the season it’s definitely taken a big step and I like where I’m at.
“Obviously there’s been some ups and downs, as expected, but our coaches have been there every step of the way and have helped me make the strides I’ve needed to make, and I’m excited to continue that.”
Compton is playing well of late and so are the Black Hawks. Waterloo fell to Green Bay on Tuesday, 5-1, but remains 7-3-0 over its past 10 and is third in the Western Conference with 51 points.
As for Compton individually, he was named the USHL Defenseman of the Week for the third time on Monday and has seven assists over his past seven games. He’s also a plus-6 in that stretch.
“I thought last year gave him a great opportunity to adjust to the league and see what it’s like on both sides of the puck,” said head coach Matt Smaby. “I think that experience can give you really good feedback about what’s coming down the line and what to be prepared for moving forward, and I thought Dylan just did a good job taking experience and learning from it.”
Compton played 24 regular-season games with Waterloo last spring and two more in the playoffs. He had 10 points (1-9-10) and received a decent chunk of minutes, but felt he needed another year in the USHL.
Compton added that the organization made a favorable impression and everyone was so welcoming last season, which made it easy to come back.
It’s been a two-way street too. The organization has been good for his development, while those inside it have liked what they’ve seen.
“We saw some really good moments offensively from DC last year and you could tell he was starting to get a better feel defensively. But like most second-year defensemen in our league, you have to take that next step, and that was a focus coming into this year,” Smaby said. “He’s very gifted with the puck on his stick and the point production is what jumps out, but I also think there’s been some really good defensive improvement. And he’s such a coachable kid.
“I think Dylan does a good job staying in the moment and wants to improve, and he also balances confidence with humility. If you want to be a successful hockey player these days you can’t be one-dimensional, and he knows that. So I think he’s realized that and really committed to getting better at both ends of the rink.”
Compton also believes his improved defensive play has helped fuel his production.
“I think a big part of the offense starts with my growth on the defensive side of the puck,” Compton said. “I’m just playing with more confidence on the offensive side of the puck because of it and it’s growing every game, and the guys I’ve been playing with have made my job easy.”
With 20 games left Compton’s goals are simple – keep improving, keep producing and hopefully help the Black Hawks make a Clark Cup run. Waterloo last hosted the trophy in 2004.
He wants to continue shutting plays down and be more physical down the stretch, as Compton knows the games will get tighter – which he’s expecting at the NCAA level. However, he’s excited for what the upcoming months will bring.
Those around him are excited to see what Compton can do at the next level too.
“I think Northeastern is excited and they see the type of players they’re getting,” Chyzyk said. “He’s an elite offensive defender and he can really manage the game, and he keeps getting better. He’s been very open and receptive to the coaching here, and he’s known what he’s needed to work on this season. But he’s had a great mindset and is a great kid.
“So hopefully Dylan can help us finish strong and go on a run here first, and then I’m excited for him to move into the college ranks next year and watch where his career goes.”