BROOKS, AB (September 10, 2015) – The Brooks Bandits of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) are delighted to announce that sophomore forward and Army commit Derek Lodermeier (Brooklyn Center, MN) has been named team captain for the 2015-16 campaign.
Lodermeier, 20, will serve alongside third-year defencemen Shane Bear (Calgary, AB) and Jesse Baird (Brampton, ON), as well as second-year forward Jeff Malott (Waterdown, ON), who were named alternate captains.
He succeeds 1995-born forward Madison Dunn, who served as captain in 2014-15 before moving on to the University of Alabama-Huntsville this season to begin his NCAA Division I career.
“Derek brings plenty of assets to the table when it comes to leadership,” said Bandits head coach and general manager Ryan Papaioannou. “Most importantly, he is extremely well respected by all of his teammates and team staff. We’re excited for his expanded role this season, with this being his last before he joins Army.”
“We all have no doubts that Derek will represent the Bandits well on and off the ice,” he added.
The 6’4”, 210lb centre joined the Bandits last season after beginning his junior career with the Soo Eagles of the North American Hockey League. In 52 regular season games with the Bandits, Lodermeier scored 11 goals and 11 assists, alongside 99 penalty minutes.
In his first playoff campaign, however, Lodermeier found a new level, recording 15 points (7 goals, 8 assists) in 20 games, tying Alex Roberts for third on the team, and placing behind only Austin Plevy and Chase Clayton in postseason scoring.
In February, Lodermeier committed to the United States Military Academy in West Point, NY, where he will begin his NCAA Division I hockey career in the 2016-17 season.
“It’s a privilege to be named captain not only by the coaches but my teammates as well,” said Lodermeier. “Being able to represent the Brooks Bandits is an honour. We are all looking forward to an exciting season and can’t wait to get it underway against Canmore.”
Lodermeier, the first American-born captain in Bandits franchise history, will sport the “C” when Brooks begins its 2015-16 season tomorrow night at the Canmore Recreation Centre against the Eagles at 7:00 PM.
Bandits fans will get their first glimpse of Lodermeier with the official captain’s letter on his home jersey when Brooks returns the following night, Saturday September 12th, for the Brooks Minor Hockey Bandits Home Opener, presented by Romer Environmental, beginning at 7:00 PM as well.
Tickets are on sale for that game online at tickets.brooksbandits.ca, by phone at (403) 501-0122, or at the Centennial Regional Arena. A tailgate party will be hosted in the CRA parking lot from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM as well.