NAHL Amarillo Bulls

Bulls Tender Goaltender Alec Derks

Published on February 18, 2014 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Amarillo Bulls News Release


AMARILLO TX - The Amarillo Bulls have added their second goaltender as they continue to prepare for the 2014-15 season.

Alec Derks, who plays for former Bulls Assistant Coach Rocky Russo and the Philly Little Flyers of the Eastern Hockey League, has tendered with the Bulls. Derks, a native of Hawthorne Woods, Ill, is having a solid season for the Little Flyers, posting a 19-10-1 record 3.03 GAA and save percentage of .921. Derks is second in the EHL in wins and among the leaders in minutes played.

Bulls Head Coach Dennis Williams said goaltending was a concern for them because Collin Delia and Paul Berrafato are moving on to school next season.

"Alec was a guy who we liked this past summer at our main camp that played really well," said Bulls Head Coach Dennis Williams. "I remember talking to Collin Delia at our Main Camp, who was injured at the time, and questioning him about the technical side of the game. He is doing a really good job in the EHL for Rocky and I really expect him to come in and battle for a spot just like all of our guys."

Williams said he is excited with the way the recruiting has gone for the team so far.

"It's been a good solid year of recruiting," he said. "We are going to lose a number of players again like we do every year. Our goaltending was an important area for us because we are losing both and up front where a handful of goal scorers will be gone.

"I am looking forward to meeting the recruits in person and talking hockey with them."

Alec Derks said he is thrilled to join such as terrific organization like the Bulls.

"I am really excited because Amarillo is the best place you can play in the North American Hockey League," he said. "When the opportunity was there I am just happy to be able to take advantage of it. The Amarillo Bulls produce winners, and consistently one the best programs the past four years."

Derks said he also hopes to accomplish another one of his goals, while with the Bulls and that's getting a scholarship.

"Ultimately, my goal is to play NCAA Division I hockey," he said. "That has been my goal since I was in Peewee hockey when I realized what I wanted to do with hockey."

The 6-0, 185 pound goaltender said attending the Amarillo Bulls camp this past summer gave him a taste of what to expect at the next level.

"Going to that camp during the summer has given me something to work towards," he said. "I have never worked as hard in a single season as I have this year. That camp was a positive experience and I knew Amarillo was a place I wanted to be at."

Philly Little Flyers Head Coach Rocky Russo said that Derks has been a staple to the team's success this year.

"He is an elite goaltender who is very athletic and has a tremendous work ethic," said Russo. "As a 1996 birth year, he will not only be an excellent addition to the Amarillo Bulls organization next year but also be a great NCAA Division I prospect.

"When I came here to Philly, Alec was the first player I recruited and signed. I wanted to build the team from the net on out. Alec has not only met expectations but exceeded them. He's the best goaltender in this league."

The Amarillo Bulls return to the road this weekend to face the Corpus Christi Ice Rays on Saturday at 7 pm and Sunday at 3 pm at American Bank Center. Fans can tune into the games live on CBS Sports Radio 1440, www.amarillobulls.com and on PPV courtesy of Fast Hockey beginning with the Wayland Baptist University Warm Up Show 15 minutes before the puck is dropped.

There are just four home games remaining in the regular season for the Amarillo Bulls. The next two are set for Friday, Mar. 7 and Saturday, Mar. 8 against the Topeka RoadRunners at the Budweiser Bull Pen in the Amarillo Civic Center at 7 pm. Tickets are available at the Bulls Office located at 301 South Polk, Civic Center Box Office and all Panhandle Ticket Outlets. For further information on Group Rates, please call the Bulls Office at 806-242-1122.

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North American Hockey League Stories from February 18, 2014


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