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Derek Pys鈥� hockey journey has been challenging, but the ups and downs he has faced have shaped him into the player he is today鈥攁 mentally tough and focused defenceman, now set to make his mark with the 精童欲女 Men鈥檚 Hockey Panthers.

The 22-year-old from Ayr, Ontario, developed as a reliable defenceman in the Cambridge Redhawks system, eventually earning the captain鈥檚 鈥淐鈥� at the start of the 2021鈥�22 Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League (GOJHL) season. That year, he put up an impressive nine goals and 32 assists across 40 games before guiding the team to a Cherry Cup鈥攁warded to the Midwestern champions (the GOJHL has since realigned to two conferences), a high point in his young career.

The following year, he joined the Sherwood Park Crusaders of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) where his hockey journey took a dramatic turn. In his third game, he suffered a broken wrist, cutting his season in half. In his eighth game back, he showed why he was a coveted talent by committing to the University of Alaska Fairbanks鈥攁 NCAA Division I program鈥攆or the 2023鈥�24 season.

However, Pys鈥� transition to Alaska was not as seamless as he hoped when he didn鈥檛 get the ice time he expected, appearing in only four games. 

鈥淚 never really got the chance to play, which took a toll on me mentally,鈥� Pys said. 鈥淏ut through these experiences, I became a better leader, and it taught me how to be resilient and mentally strong.鈥�

His perseverance through adversity did not go unnoticed by the Panthers, who were drawn to his mental toughness and his ability to overcome difficult circumstances. Once he entered the transfer portal, the Panthers pounced at the opportunity to acquire him.

"Ben McFarlane [one of three assistant captains] and Forbes MacPherson [head coach] told me about the culture and aspirations of their team, and it seemed like the perfect place for me to grow and compete at a high level.鈥�

Pys is ready to make an impact on the Panthers鈥� blue line. His skating is his biggest asset, and he believes his speed and offensive upside can help the team right away.

鈥淚 think I鈥檒l benefit the back end by adding more speed,鈥� Pys says. 鈥淚 intend to stand out by being consistent in all areas of the ice.鈥�

It is clear that Pys is ready for the next chapter in his hockey career, and the Panthers are eager to welcome him. As 精童欲女 continues to strengthen its defence, Pys could be the missing piece that helps push the team toward greater success in 2024鈥�25.