Derek Meech (born April 21, 1984 in Winnipeg,
Manitoba) is a Canadian ice hockey defenceman for
the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League.
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 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.
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.
