Derko Enjoying Leadership Role in Lethbridge

A former Swift Current Bronco is relishing a leadership role with his new club despite their slow start.

Josh Derko was named captain of the Lethbridge Hurricanes this season and is helping lead a change of culture in the organization during his final season of junior hockey.

"I thought that I had been a pretty good leader so far," he said. "Obviously the start we had isn't exactly what we want but we're bringing guys together. It's that continuous improvement that's pretty important."

"Getting that 'C' was just a huge honour and glad to see that the guys look up to me like that especially not having been here for very long."

Lethbridge is only 2-11-1-2 so far this season, but they have points in 3 of their last 5 games and have been playing much improved defensive hockey as of late.

"We're a fairly young team," Derko said. "So just making sure the young guys come along and the older guys too... just sticking to the system and making sure everyone is buying in."

The Sherwood Park, Alberta native played 143 games as a Bronco before Swift Current traded and a draft pick to the Hurricanes for Jay Merkley at last season's trade deadline. It caught Derko off guard.

"It was a little bit of a shock," he said. "I had no idea it was coming. My time in Swift I have nothing but good things to say so obviously that was hard to leave the city and the team."

"Coming into Lethbridge they treated me really well. Obviously a lot of the guys that brought me into Lethbridge are gone now with the move with (former Coach/GM Rich Preson) and stuff, but the new coaching staff has been incredible. A lot of experience and a lot of NHL experience."

Former NHLer Drake Berehowsky took over as coach in Lethbridge this summer and has been able to lean on Derko as one of his key veterans as he makes the transition to the WHL.

"He came into camp he was very mature when we talked to him," Berehowsky said. "He liked the way we were going to run things and he bought in. It's important for a captain to take our message into the room and make sure the guys are following it."

Berehowsky also referenced Derko's experience with the San Jose Sharks at the NHL Young Stars pre-season tournament this season as another reason he had the experience to lead.

"That was pretty special to me," Derko added. "That's something you work your entire career for. Just for an opportunity to see that what I've been doing is paying off and getting a little attention. Had a good camp there, they had a lot of positive things to say so hopefully we'll be in contact with them again in the future."

Derko's Hurricanes fell just a little short against his old club on Tuesday night as the Broncos beat them 3-2 in a shootout. He'll make a return to Swift Current when the Hurricanes pay a visit to the Credit Union iPlex on December 4th.

Derko is one of two former Broncos captaining their new teams this season. Graeme Craig has the same honour with the Saskatoon Blades.

The Broncos are in Saskatoon on Friday and host the Blades on Saturday.