Two-Time All-Star Holland Re-Signs

Published on September 26, 2002 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Lubbock Cotton Kings News Release


LUBBOCK, TX: September 26, 2002 – The Lubbock Cotton Kings of the Central Hockey League are thrilled to announce the re-signing of defenseman Derek Holland for the 2002/2003 season.

"Holland had several obstacles this season with an eye-injury and the loss of his father, but he was still able to prevail and earn a spot on the all-star roster," said Cotton Kings head coach/director of hockey operations, Bill McDonald. "With those obstacles behind him, he could have a very strong season which could lead him to a higher level."

Holland, a 23 year-old native of Brandon, Manitoba, returns to the Cotton Kings after contributing 10 goals and 25 assists for 35 points and 114 penalty minutes in 58 games last season. He was named as a starter to the Southern Conference Team in the 2002 All-Star Game in Corpus Christi, where he recorded a goal. Holland also finished the regular season co-leading CHL defensemen with 2 shorthanded goals.

The Cotton Kings acquired the 6'0", 190-pound defenseman prior to the 00/01 season. He began that season in training camp with the Cleveland, which is the former top affiliate of the Minnesota Wild. Once joining the ‘Kings, he led the squad in points by defensemen (8th overall in the league) and goals by defensemen (13), and co-led defensemen with 38 assists. Holland became the only Cotton Kings defenseman to record 5 points (1g,4a) in a game, completing the task against New Mexico (2/25/01), and also tied a 00-01 league high 7 minor penalties in one game. During the playoffs, he was the WPHL's co-leader in rookie scoring by defensemen with 5 points, which ranked 9th overall by defensemen. Holland finished the playoffs co-leading the ‘Kings in goals by defensemen (2) and ranked second amongst 'Kings defensemen in points with 5. He was named the WPHL "Player of the Month" for March with 5 goals and 7 assists for 12 points in 12 games played during the month. Holland received several accolades, as he was nominated for the WPHL's "Rookie of the Year," and finished as the 3rd "Best Defensive Forward" on the WPHL's "Best-of-the-Best Poll," and earned a starting spot on the Western Division's all-star roster in the WPHL All-Star Game in Odessa. He became the first ever Cotton King to receive an in-season call-up to a higher league, receiving two call-ups to Cleveland during the 00/01 season. Holland contributed an assist in two games with the Lumberjacks.

Holland turned professional after playing five seasons of major juniors in the Western Hockey League (WHL). Holland began his junior career in 95/96 with the Brandon Wheat Kings, where he spent two seasons. He went on to join the Medicine Hat Tigers in the 96/97 season, and played 48 games into the 1997-98 season before being traded to Lethbridge. Holland participated in the Calgary Flames rookie camp before reporting to Lethbridge for the 98/99 season. That season, Holland produced his finest season, finishing as the team leader in points amongst defensemen with 37 points (8g,29a). In Holland's final season, he took an ill-advised check against Red Deer, which resulted in a torn ACL and a partially torn MCL. Holland underwent reconstructive surgery to repair the damage. In 213 junior games, Holland collected 23 goals and 96 assists for 119 points.

In two professional seasons, Holland has 23 goals and 64 assists for 87 points in 129 games with 238 penalty minutes. The two-time all-star is the Cotton Kings franchise leader in goals (23) amongst defenseman and currently ranks tied for second on the squad's all-time points by defenseman list with 86 points.

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Central Hockey League Stories from September 26, 2002


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