CAREER
2008-09: Appeared in 11 of Colorado’s final 12 games after being recalled from the Lake Erie Monsters (AHL)…Was recalled on March 17 and made his NHL debut that night in Minnesota…Finished second among Lake Erie defensemen in scoring with 19 points (2g/17a) in 63 games…Led the club’s blueliners and tied for third overall in assists. 2007-08: Served as team captain during his senior season at the University of Minnesota (WCHA)…Led Minnesota’s defensive corps with 21 points (4g/17a) while appearing in all 45 games for the Gophers…Missed only one game during his collegiate career…Signed an Amateur Tryout Contract (ATO) with the Lake Erie Monsters on April 1…Recorded one assist in six games for the Monsters…Signed an entry-level contract with the Avalanche on June 5, 2008. 2006-07: Appeared in all 44 games as a junior at Minnesota…Named to the WCHA All-Academic Team for the second year in a row. 2005-06: Skated in all 41 games as a sophomore…Finished third among Gopher defensemen in scoring with 18 points (1g/17a). 2004-05: Tallied 19 points (6g/13a) in 43 games during his freshman season at Minnesota…Led the Golden Gophers with a +17 plus/minus rating…His 19 points ranked second among WCHA rookie defensemen. Other: Prior to attending Minnesota, Derek played two seasons with the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders of the USHL…Was a first-team All-USHL selection in 2003 04…Played his prep hockey at Robbinsdale Armstrong High School in Minnesota…Member of the 2002 U.S. Under-18 Select Team. Personal: Last name is pronounced Pell-TEER.
