First-year forward Joey Derochie burst on to the OUA hockey scene this weekend by scoring two goals and adding two assists in the men’s hockey team’s 5-3 win over the Carleton Ravens on Saturday. With five points in four games Derochie is tied with Jordan Mirwaldt for the team lead.
Derochie said his ion for the game began at a young age.
“I started when I was around four years old,” Derochie said. “My family had a pretty big background in the game so it was the first sport that I was put into.”
Derochie played for the Cornwall Colts of the Central Junior Hockey League before coming to Queen’s this year. He said the Gaels’ up-tempo game has played directly to his strengths.
“I like the speed and the energy you have to play with along with the atmosphere around the team with all the guys,” he said.
Derochie said he’s established a comfort level and is ready to contribute to the team on a regular basis.
“I think bring some speed and little more offence to the team,” he said. “I think that’s where the team was struggling the most last year. I think I can be a solid two-way forward.”
Although he’s started well statistically, Derochie said he hopes to improve.
“I could probably work on my faceoffs quite a bit,” he said. “I’m trying not to be too fancy or cute when I have the puck and shooting when I have the opportunity to.”
With the win, Queen’s improved their record to 2-2, good for a tie for sixth place in the OUA East. However, Derochie was confident the Gaels would pick up their game over the course of the season.
“I think we can contend with the top teams as long as we play our game. We’re really inconsistent right now, but if we play to the level we’re capable of playing, we have a lot of potential to do some damage.”
—Anand Srivastava
What is your favorite team in any sport?
Pittsburgh Penguins.
Who is your favorite superhero?
Batman.
What’s your favourite bar/club in Kingston?
Ale House.
What is on your iPod?
False Pretense.
Mullets or Mohawks?
Mullets, for sure.
Celebrity Crush?
Jessica Alba.
Any Hidden Talents?
I don’t think so.
Anyone you’d trade lives with for a day?
[Teammate] Payton Liske.
Childhood Dream Job?
A firefighter.
Chocolate or Vanilla?
Chocolate for sure.
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