Derek Meech

Derek Meech
With the St. John's IceCaps in 2013 AHL All-Star Game
Born	(1984-04-21) April 21, 1984 (age 32) Winnipeg, MB, CAN
Height	5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
Weight	200 lb (91 kg; 14 st 4 lb)
Position	Defence
Shoots	Left
team Former teams	Free Agent Detroit Red Wings Winnipeg Jets HC Dinamo Minsk Malmö Redhawks
NHL Draft	229nd overall, 2002 Detroit Red Wings
Playing career	2006–present

Derek Meech (born April 21, 1984) is a Canadian ice hockey defenceman and winger currently an unrestricted free agent who is recovering from injury. He most recently played for the Malmö Redhawks of the Swedish Hockey League (SHL).

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, Detroit, Michigan 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. Also working in Meech's favor for making the roster was Brent Sopel, on a tryout for the Red Wings, had spontaneously signed with the Chicago Blackhawks and Kyle Quincey broke his hand.

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 was sometimes used as a left winger. His versatility in playing both forward and defenseman led to extra playing time.