Underager Blair Derynck Signs With The Blenheim Blades
Blair Derynck (19 – black) seen here with the Chatham-Kent Cyclones last season, has signed with the Blenheim Blades – Photo by Dan Hickling (@danhickling)
Derynck, a six-foot forward, played for the Chatham-Kent Cyclones Minor Midget ‘AAA’ team last season.
“He is a talented kid with good offensive skills that does all the little things well,” said Blades assistant coach Kent Burk of the signing. “He is the first guy in the offensive zone but also bust his butt back to be the first forward back in the D zone.”
“He is good defensively and knows where to be in his zone and is big enough to take his man,” continued Burk.
“We expect Blair to contribute more as the season goes on and as he gains confidence offensively and experience playing against bigger stronger opponents.”
Derynck had 5 goals and 11 assists for 16-points in 32 games last season for the Cyclones. In the playoffs, Derynck had 10 points in 18 playoff games, and added another 4 points in 6 games at the OHL Cup. He was also a representative of the Chatham-Kent Cyclones at the Alliance All-Star game last season.
The Blades had a very difficult time selecting just one 16-year-old, as the team felt it had multiple underage players capable of stepping in and making an immediate impact in the Great Lakes Junior C league. Specifically, the team had Nick Delyzer and Phillip Clarke in camp, both having strong camps and preseason efforts. According to Burk, the Blades felt all three players deserved to be in the league this season.
Blenheim opens their 2014-2015 regular season this Sunday at 7:15pm in Blenheim when they host the Lakeshore Canadiens.