DRYDEN GM ICE DOGS
PRESS RELEASE
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
GM Ice Dogs retire captain McPhail’s No. 21
DRYDEN, Ont. — At the opening game of the SIJHL semifinals between the Dryden GM Ice Dogs and Fort Frances Lakers, team Captain Derek McPhail’s No. 21 jersey was officially retired.
The 20-year-old McPhail is playing in his final year with the Dryden GM Ice Dogs.
McPhail hails from Kaministiquia, Ont., and has played his entire Junior A career with the Dryden GM Ice Dogs.
His leadership on an off the ice made the decision to officially retire the No. 21 an easy one for the Dryden GM Ice Dogs’ organization.
“At 20 years of age, having given five years of his life to the SIJHL, Derek McPhail has spent a quarter of his life in an Ice Dogs’ uniform” stated team President Mike Sveinson.
“Leading the squad in all statistical categories, his number, very deservedly will now be a part of Dryden GM Ice Dogs’ history,” added Sveinson.
McPhail’s Junior A career statistics substantiates the integral role he has played on the team since joining in the 2012-13 season.
Here’s what Derek’s career has produced to date:
• Appearance at two Dudley-Hewitt Cup championships
• Most goals in franchise history.
• Most assists in franchise history.
• Most games played in SIJHL history.
• Longest serving captain in franchise history.
“Derek’s been our captain for three years and the longest serving player in team history. I’m proud of him and happy to see his number retired as it should be,” offered Dryden head coach and general manager Kurt Walsten.
For further information please contact Dryden GM Ice Dogs, Team President Mike Sveinson at 807.221.9169.