Brendan Dunphy | SoCal Series Interview
Brendan Dunphy X SoCal Series
The latest feature in The Pond Press’ SoCal Series — highlighting SoCal-born or trained prospects ahead of the NHL Draft.
ANAHEIM, Calif. — The Southern California hockey scene continues to grow, and 6-foot-5 defenseman Brendan Dunphy is one of the latest examples. Born in Washington State but raised in San Diego, Dunphy developed his game through various California-based programs before jumping to the Western Hockey League (WHL), where he turned heads with a breakout season in Wenatchee.
Weeks after our interview, Dunphy reached a career milestone — getting drafted by the Florida Panthers in the 7th round (197th overall) of the 2025 NHL Draft.
Before that big moment, he was named to NHL Central Scouting’s Final Rankings as the 194th-ranked North American skater, following a strong finish to his WHL campaign that saw him post 22 points in 47 games after joining the Wild mid-season.
Q&A With Brendan Dunphy
Q: You grew up in San Diego, where hockey isn’t the most popular sport. What was that like?
Dunphy: I was born in Washington, but moved to San Diego when I was six. My parents are Canadian, so I was always around hockey. Even though it’s not huge in San Diego, I found ice wherever I could. The game’s grown a lot there, which is great to see.
Q: Where did you get your start with competitive hockey in SoCal?
Dunphy: I started at the AA level in San Diego, but when COVID hit, I went up to AAA with the Junior Kings in 2020. After that, I played two years with the Junior Ducks under Alex Kim. He really helped shape my game.
Q: What kind of defenseman are you?
Dunphy: I’m a shutdown guy. I like ending plays early, being tough in the corners, and moving the puck up ice. I try to make life hard for the other team’s top line. I model my game after Jacob Slavin — steady, responsible, and hard to play against.
Q: You had a big jump this year from the BCHL to the WHL. What changed?
Dunphy: I started the year in Langley and didn’t love my game. But once I got traded to Wenatchee, it was a fresh start. The systems, the coaching — it all clicked. I found my confidence and just ran with it.
Q: What are some strengths and weaknesses you’ve been working on?
Dunphy: I’d say my biggest strengths are shutting plays down and being physical. I’m working on my edgework and overall skating — I want to be quicker and more mobile.
Q: You were recently named to NHL Central Scouting’s final rankings. What did that recognition mean to you?
Dunphy: It was cool to see my name on that list. I don’t get caught up in rankings, but it’s a good reminder that the hard work is paying off. There’s still a long way to go, though.
Q: Now that the draft has passed — how does it feel knowing the Florida Panthers picked you?
Dunphy: It’s unbelievable. Just a few months ago, I was still trying to find consistency, and now I’ve been drafted. I’m proud of the journey, and I’m excited for what’s next.
Off the Ice: Quick Hits
Q: What’s your offseason training like?
Dunphy: I work out with James Spadaro — he coaches the San Diego Sabers. We train Monday to Friday at 8 a.m. and skate together after. There’s a good group of guys — all pushing each other.
Q: Go-to pregame artist or song?
Dunphy: Hard EDM. My go-to’s usually anything by Avicii.
Q: Locker room win song in Wenatchee?
Dunphy: “Meet Me Halfway.” We played it after every big win.
Q: Post-game meal of choice?
Dunphy: Chicken and rice, for sure.
Q: Favorite hockey memory so far?
Dunphy: A road trip to Saskatchewan this year. Two weeks, lots of games, hotel hangs, and time with the boys — I’ll remember that forever.
Q: Any game-day superstitions?
Dunphy: I’m usually the DJ in the room. Nothing too crazy, though — I’m not very superstitious. I like to think I make my own luck.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Interview conducted via phone on June 2025, prior to the NHL Draft.
