The Northern Michigan University men’s hockey team adds depth to their roster in acquiring freshman goaltender Derek Dun. Dun’s hometown is Surrey, British Columbia, Canada about three hours north of Seattle, Wash.
He has traveled more than 2,000 miles to the U.P. to be a part of the ’Cats Division I men’s hockey program. Dun, 19, is a first year student at NMU majoring in business administration. Dun said he likes the atmosphere NMU has and said the hockey program is something he wants to be involved in.
“Back at home, I’ve played in the BCHL (British Columbia Hockey League),” Dun said. “They have a lot of recruits to Division I schools and Northern came out to watch a couple of the games, and they were interested in me playing for their program.”
Dun said his coach last year in the BCHL is well acquainted with the NMU men’s hockey coach Walt Kyle. Dun said he knew the NMU hockey program is well-coordinated and the location is a perfect fit.
“We scout that league for a number of years now,” Kyle said. “We’ve watched Dun for some time and he is real strong technically and his reflexes are good. He is a good athlete.”
Before attending NMU, Dun played in the BCHL for five years, from 2009-13, spending his first four seasons with the Cowichan Valley Capitals and his last year with the Nanaimo Clippers. In Dun’s 2010-11 season with the Capitals, he started in 32 games with a 2.97 goals against average and a .893 save percentage during the 2011-12 season.
Dun said playing in a Division I level will be a good challenge and highly competitive.
“Playing in the NCAA level is a lot more offense,” Dun said. “There are a lot of good offensive players and what’s important is to maintain consistency and being mentally sharp and focused every second.”
Dun said his coaching staff in the BCHL was acquainted with former NHL goalie Ryan Miller.
“Our coaching management was run by great coaches,” Dun said. “They really helped me to get to the next level.”
Dun said he intends to play all four years and focus on what assets he can bring to the team and improve himself in the long run.
Dun progressed down the line in the goalie position as he averaged 2.92 GAA and a .916 save percentage in 16 games, marking his best season with the Clippers the 2012-13 season. The most games he started for the Capitals was 37 games in the 2011-12 season where he ended the season with a 3.07 GAA and .901 save percentage.
“I feel my quickness and my reflexes are strong which helps me in the crease,” Dun said. “I also want to work on my overall strength. I need to be stronger with my legs and stronger mentally on the ice, playing at a college level.”
Dun said he enjoys the chemistry the players have with each other on the team, and that he is learning from his teammates like Wildcat sophomore goaltender Michael Doan, who has played with Dun in the BCHL.
“I want success for all three of us (goaltenders),” Dun said. “I am friends with Michael Doan and he really brings a lot to the team. He is a big goalie; he never gets rattled and puts a lot on his shoulders.”
Dun hasn’t showed any minutes on the ice yet and said he continues to work hard everyday to maintain his focus with practice and school.
The ’Cats play in the Western Collegiate Hockey Conference with a home-and-home series.
The ’Cats go up against Michigan Technological University at 7:07 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25 at the Berry Events Center. The team travels to Houghton, Mich. for the second game of the series at 7:07 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26 at the John J. MacInnes Student Ice Arena.
