Derek Meech

Derek Meech (born April 21, 1984 in Winnipeg, Manitoba) is a Canadian ice hockey defenceman and part-time winger for the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League.

=Playing career=

Meech played his junior hockey for the Red Deer Rebels of the Western Hockey League. There, he teamed with future NHL star Dion Phaneuf as the team's top defensive pairing. On June 23, 2002, he was drafted 229th overall in the 7th round of the 2002 NHL Entry Draft. Meech made his NHL debut on December 7, 2006 at Joe Louis Arena against the St. Louis Blues. He played in 4 NHL games during the 2006–07 NHL season. While playing for the Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League, Meech was named an All Star after posting 6 goals, and 23 assists (29 points) in 67 games. Meech was named to the Red Wings final roster during training camp prior to the 2007–08 NHL season. He would have been exposed to waivers had he been sent to the minor leagues, which factored into the team's decision. In 2008, Meech was named "Detroit Red Wings Rookie of the Year" by the Detroit Sports Broadcasters' Association for his play in the 2007-08 season. Based on the system the Red Wings employ, Meech has sometimes been used as a left winger. His versatility to play both forward and defenseman has led to extra playing time. Despite not playing the minimum 40 games (Meech only played 32) and not a minute in the playoffs, Meech will have his name engraved on the Stanley Cup, due to a successful petition to the NHL by the Detroit Red Wings organization. Meech scored his first career NHL goal with the Detroit Red Wings on December 4, 2008 against Curtis Sanford of the Vancouver Canucks.