Terrier Alumni Spotlight: Derek Serdachny

This week’s installment of the Terrier alumni spotlight we look back to the 2005 season and catch up with Derek Serdachny. Serdachny played four seasons with the Terriers and was part of the 2005-06 championship team who fell just short in the finals at the RBC cup. Being from Yorkton, Serdachny played with the Yorkton Harvest of the U18 AAA for two seasons before joining the Terriers.

His first season with the Harvest, Serdachny played in 44 games scoring 11 goals, 8 assists for 19 points and adding 42 penalty minutes. In his second season all his stats went up dressing in again 44 games scoring 12 goals, 23 assists and for 35 points while adding 104 penalty minutes.

Serdachny joined the Terriers after his season with the Harvest was over. He played in 6 games over the course of the season with the Terriers recording 2 goals, 3 assists and 2 penalty minutes. His hard work opened up a spot on the roster for Serdachny to play some playoff games.

That season, Serdachny helped the Terriers win a league championship followed by a Anavet cup title and a chance to compete at the Royal Bank National tournament. During the Anavet cup series, Serdachny played in 5 games scoring 2 goals, one being a double overtime winning goal. At the RBC cup, Serdachny played in 6 games registering one goal. Unfortunately, for Serdachny and the Terriers, the quest for a national championship fell short in the finals.

In the 2006-2007 season, Serdachny was regular in the lineup for the Terriers. Playing in 55 games, Serdachny recorded 22 goals, 25 assists for 47 points, while adding 91 penalty minutes. The Terriers once again made playoffs and Serdachny dressed in 17 games scoring 3 goals, 4 assists for 7 points and 45 penalty minutes.

The following season saw Serdachny play in 47 games, scoring 13 goals and adding 20 assists for 33 points and adding 122 penalty minutes. Once again, the Terriers made playoffs but that was a quick exit for the Terriers that season. Serdachny played in 2 games recording 3 assists and 4 penalty minutes.

In his last season of junior hockey with the Terriers, Serdachny played in all 56 games scoring 17 goals adding 28 assists for 45 points and adding 126 penalty minutes. Again, the Terriers made the playoffs but were unable to capture the magic they had in 05-06. In 7 games played, Serdachny played 7 games scoring 6 goals and adding 12 penalty minutes.

After Junior hockey, Serdachny continued his schooling and hockey career by attending Manhattanville College of the NCAA DIII. In three seasons, Serdachny played 66 games, scoring 8 goals and 9 assists while adding 111 penalty minutes. Serdachny has played a bit of senior hockey as well spending time with the Whitewood Orioles and the Theodore Buffalos. Serdachny is also the owner of SHP Hockey, a small local hockey school in the parkland.

 

Q and A with Derek Serdachny

1)      Name and years played with the Terriers? 

Derek Serdachny

2005-2006 to 2008-2009

2)      Favourite memory during your time with the Terriers? 

Playing in front of a packed rink in the 2005-2006 playoffs, Anavet Cup double OT Winner.

3)      Toughest SJHL opponent and hardest rink to play in? 

SJHL Opponent- Humbolt Broncos

Rink – Whitney Forum- Never knew what that fans were going to do or throw at you. (Moose legs, popcorn, you name it) Always tough games.

4)      How did your time with the Terriers help get you to where you are today? 

Playing with the Terriers gave me an opportunity to work on my skills as a hockey player and as an individual. The Terriers gave me the flexibility to help on the farm, to begin my education at Parkland College, and to improve my game. The time spent volunteering in the community helped build character and leadership qualities that would ultimately prove useful in my career choice. The time I spent on the ice helped me earn a spot on the NCAA Manhattanville College roster. Living thirty minutes from New York opened my eyes and taught me invaluable lessons. The best part about playing for the Terriers was meeting so many great people and forging great friendships with my teammates.

5)      Favourite TV show or movie? 

Shawshank Redemption

6)      What are you up to these days? 

I am currently the Vice Principal at Canora Composite School. I am the owner of SHP Hockey, a small local and area hockey school and I farm as well. I have a beautiful wife and two little girls. We currently reside in Yorkton.

7)      What are your plans for the next 3-5 years? 

I plan on spending a lot of time outside at the lake with my family. We will hopefully make up for some lost time and go visit some friends and family post Covid.

8)      Favourite athlete of all time? 

Joe Sakic

9)      Favourite Meal/Food? 

Perogies and cabbage rolls

10)  Favourite Music/Musician? 

Country/Eric Church

11)  What are some of your hobbies? 

Water sports, golfing, running,

12)  Favourite sport other than hockey? 

Football