Author Archives: Derek

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About Derek

Derek is a creative writer who enjoys taking photographs, working on poetry, and covering hockey. A free spirit who loves the outdoors, a diverse selection of music, and writing, he's a former St. John's University alumni with a degree in Sports Management. Derek covers the Rangers for Battle of Hudson and is a contributor to The Hockey Writers. His appreciation of art and nature are his true passions.

Unsigned Stepan casts shadow at start of Rangers camp

Posted on September 11, 2013 by Derek

They were back at it today. Rangers training camp officially opened at the practice facility in Greenburg. All the familiar faces showed up except one. Center Derek Stepan remains unsigned. A restricted free agent, the 23-year old former Wisconsin product … Continue reading →

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Captain John Tavares

Posted on September 10, 2013 by Derek

The Islanders have a new captain. In a move that had been expected, John Tavares was named captain at a Monday press conference. At 22, he becomes the 14th captain in franchise history. In 2013, Tavares led the Islanders to their first … Continue reading →

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Metro Preview: Carolina Hurricanes

Posted on September 10, 2013 by Derek

CAROLINA HURRICANES 2013 Record: 19-25-4  42 Points East Rank: 13th OUTLOOK: No longer in the Southeast, the Hurricanes step up in competition entering a loaded Metro Division. Along with Washington, they join a strong eight team pack that includes the … Continue reading →

Posted in NHL Preview | 2 Comments

Traverse City: Lindberg records hat trick

Posted on September 8, 2013 by Derek

Traverse City After a year without a tournament, Traverse City is back. Once again, the Rangers and Sabres are among eight teams whose prospects are competing in the Tournament. Broken down into two divisions, the Rangers, Sabres, Hurricanes and Blue … Continue reading →

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Metro Preview: Columbus Blue Jackets

Posted on September 4, 2013 by Derek

TEAM: Columbus Blue Jackets 2013 Record: 24-17-7 55 Pts Rank: 9th (West) After years in the doldrums, the Blue Jackets turned it around in their final season out West. Led by Vezina winner Sergei Bobrovsky, they just fell short of … Continue reading →

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My KHL Team: Siberia Express (Updated)

Posted on September 2, 2013 by Derek

Chris Wassel is running the second ever KHL Fantasy Hockey League. Since I missed the draft, I’m putting together my roster from scratch. It won’t be easy. Many of the big names are gone including Morozov, Stapleton, Kuznetsov, Kovalchuk, Radulov, … Continue reading →

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Prospect Watch: Ryan Strome

Posted on August 29, 2013 by Derek

The Islanders boast a deep crop of prospects who should be a big part of the future. One of those players who’s close to breaking through is Ryan Strome. Drafted by the Islanders in the first round of 2011 fifth … Continue reading →

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No Staaling Around

Posted on August 28, 2013 by Derek

Marc Staal declared himself 100 percent at yesterday’s Canada Olympic orientation camp in Calgary. The 26-year old defenseman expects to be ready for the beginning of Rangers training camp which starts on September 12. It was on Mar. 5 that … Continue reading →

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Richards ready for fresh start under Vigneault

Posted on August 27, 2013 by Derek

In a word, the shortened season was a nightmare for Brad Richards. He wasn’t consistent and looked a step behind. That led to a rift between him and John Tortorella. A coach he once flourished under winning a Conn Smythe and Stanley … Continue reading →

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Matt Martin experiences the VMA’s

Posted on August 26, 2013 by Derek

He might be tough on the ice but Islanders forward Matt Martin tried his hand as a reporter at last night’s MTV VMA’s at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. He got the royal treatment covering the big event with BCTV Brooklyn … Continue reading →

Posted in NY Islanders | 1 Comment