FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NOTRE DAME SALUTES DALE DERKATCH ON HIS APPOINTMENT TO LEAD THE REGINA PATS
Wilcox, SK-24 July 2008
It is with great pride that the Athol Murray College of Notre Dame community congratulates our Director of Hockey Development, Dale Derkatch, on his appointment as head coach of the WHL Regina Pats.
Dale was beginning his fifth year as the leader of the Notre Dame hockey program, in the school where he had a successful formative career as a student athlete, when he was presented with this new professional opportunity. As many in the Canadian hockey community know, after Notre Dame the Regina Pats became his next hockey home where he had a stellar playing career before joining the European professional hockey system. He had returned to Notre Dame after a period of time as a scout with the NHL Washington Capitals.
"Derk's" many contributions to Notre Dame in the last several years as a coach, mentor, and program director have been numerous. He helped a good hockey program become even better by modelling a high degree of personal and coaching professionalism, and driving that quality throughout the Notre Dame hockey program year-round. Respected by his colleagues, our student athletes and their parents and Notre Dame's many supporters, he will be missed but he leaves a lasting legacy of achievement and professional organization.
Coach Derkatch realized great success with the Midget AAA Hounds winning the Macs Championship, and more recently the SMAAAHL Provincial crown. He also oversaw the girls program who have won the Western Canadian Championship for four consecutive years. Under Dale's direction, as Director of Hockey Development, Notre Dame's hockey program realized great success with seven teams finishing first in their leagues. Above all, he was known as a person who would take the time to understand the aspirations of student athletes and give them considered advice for the future that reflected his own passion for, and expert knowledge of, modern hockey.
Said Notre Dame President David Howie: "Derk is a trusted colleague, and a great Hound. Notre Dame hockey will continue to exhibit the positive culture that he fostered among coaches, players, and staff and we are delighted that he has taken on a challenge to bring his expertise to the next level with a great WHL franchise."
The College will announce its plan for succession to the role of Director of Hockey Development in the next several days.
For further information please contact the Office of the College President at 306.732.1225 or nd.president@notredame.sk.ca.