Former Surrey Eagles captain Henderson commits to SFU for 2011/12 season

The Simon Fraser University’s Men’s Ice Hockey program is pleased to announce a commitment from defenceman Derek Henderson (Langley, B.C.) to attend SFU and join the team for the 2011/12 British Columbia Intercollegiate Hockey League season.

Henderson recently completed his third season in Junior A hockey, splitting the 2010/11 campaign between the BCHL’s Prince George Spruce Kings and the AJHL’s Grand Prairie Storm. He spent the previous two seasons with the Surrey Eagles, who he captained as a 19-year old in 2009/10. Overall, the 21-year old scored three goals and totaled 22 points and 292 penalty minutes in 154 BCHL and AJHL games.

“Derek has proven himself to be a reliable defender and a tremendous leader over the course of his junior hockey career,” says SFU general manager Jeff Dubois. “He’s a very focused and committed individual who is going to play a key role for us both on and off the ice over the next number of years. That he was named the captain of the Surrey Eagles at 19-years old shows the type of character that Derek brings to the table.”

Henderson plans to pursue a degree in Business at SFU while making an immediate impact for the two-time defending BCIHL champions.

“I chose Simon Fraser University for its established academic programs and the opportunity to continue to play hockey at a very high level,” says Henderson. “I know that SFU will provide a challenging atmosphere both on the ice and in the classroom. I’m going to bring hard work and commitment to the team in every way I can and I expect to have a solid first season and contribute to another winning year.”

Henderson is the fifth player to commit to SFU for the 2011/12 season, joining fellow defenceman Tyler Mah (Flin Flon Bombers/SJHL) and Taylor Swaffield (Trail Smoke Eaters/BCHL) and forwards Mike Krgovich (Coquitlam Express/BCHL) and Tony Oak (Battlefords North Stars/SJHL).