About Dave Watling:
Dave has always been fascinated with cameras and photography. His first taste was a Kodak 110 Instamatic, and he was always trying to get it to do things it couldn't. Going on a vacation thinking, "should I take ONE roll of 36 or two". Cost was prohibitive to a 12 yr old. Of course, after he'd get the film developed and printed, he would have maybe half-a-dozen acceptable shots. Fast forward a few decades and the digital age has completely changed his perspective. Now Dave shoots with his Canon R6 Mark II and his new RF100-300 2.8L.
Hockey has been in Dave's life since age 5, and has always been his first love. Dave volunteered to shoot some "red carpet events" for the local Junior A team over 10 years ago, thinking he had a "decent" camera. Since then, it has been a continual progression of knowledge, gear, and learning. Dave loves all sports and has since photographed for The Hockey News Magazine, Special Olympics Alberta, The Canadian Press, Spartan Races International, Mudgirl Run International, various online magazines, accredited AJHL photographer, Salaried Calgary Canucks Team photographer.
Dave has also shot various current NHL stars and up-and-coming NHL stars, including Cale Makar, Logan O’Connor, and Connor Bedard, Gavin McKenna (Projected 1st overall 2026 draft) and Landon DuPont (received WHL’s only second Exceptional Status, second to Connor Bedard).
Capturing an athlete in the middle of a skilled move fascinates him, and having someone take joy in that photo, is the ultimate compliment to him. Dave's future goal is to become an NHL photographer and ultimately an Olympic Photographer.
About the Calgary Canucks: