Stories involving players who grind through the minor leagues, work relentlessly, and learn from their veteran teammates throughout their hockey journey don’t often receive the same amount of attention as a story about a young superstar destined for the NHL.  However, these stories of determination can be just as interesting, and serve as a great lesson for so many young players.  Enter Derek Topatigh, a defenseman for the ECHL’s Atlanta Gladiators, who is in the midst of writing his own story about ascending through the junior system into professional hockey.

Topatigh, a 25-year-old from Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, was considered to be a late bloomer throughout his minor hockey career. After going undrafted in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) draft, Topatigh went on to play in the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) with the Orangeville Flyers, enjoying two successful seasons. As he describes, it was a great opportunity to continue his development on both sides of the ice, finishing with 61 points in 102 career games.

“Playing in the OJHL was a great route for players looking to play in the NCAA, preferably D1. There was a lot of high-class talent in the league during my time, as most teams already had players committed to some of the best colleges in North America.”

During his time in Orangeville, Topatigh attended several NCAA showcases, with hopes of continuing his education in the United States. The Canadian always had outstanding grades throughout school, as education was always vital to him and his family.  He received plenty of interest from Ivey-League schools, eventually committing to Princeton University. To Topatigh, this was an easy choice and one he does not regret.

“I was always strong academically in high school, and my Advisor mentioned to me that Ivey-League schools would be interested in pursuing me. Along with that, the showcases hosted by the OJHL in Buffalo were always a great experience for me. I was able to speak with a few coaches during the showcase, Princeton being one of them. From there, we kept in touch and they offered me a spot right before we started the playoffs. With such a rich history, it was easy for me to commit right away.”

Topatigh continued his success and became an integral part of the Princeton Tigers roster. In 129 games, he finished with 43 points and exceled in his 200-foot game. What also became evident during his NCAA career was his true leadership, being named Captain in his senior season. With all his accolades, the captaincy remains one of his greatest achievements.

“The team voted in the Spring before my senior season.  Being selected by the guys that I have played with for 3 to 4 years, guys that became a family to me, it was a huge honor. It’s a great tradition there, so to have that responsibility and my leadership thought of in that way, it meant a lot to me. I understood how important it was to help out the freshman class and get them accustomed to living in college, while also trying to instill the culture we work towards, keeping everyone on task.  It was something that I will always be grateful for.”

Following his NCAA career, Topatigh began searching for a professional hockey team.  The only problem was that he graduated in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, where some AHL & ECHL teams elected to take voluntary suspensions, meaning significantly less roster spots would be available. With such strong competition, Topatigh played the majority of the 2020-21 Season in the SPHL before a 7-game tryout with the Wheeling Nailers of the ECHL.

“I had actually signed with an ECHL team to begin with, but after some coaching changes, that fell through the cracks. Then I signed with another ECHL team, but then they didn’t end up playing during the 2020-21 season, so there was some bad luck after I left Princeton.”

“During the COVID-19 pandemic so many talented players were looking to continue playing. After some time in the SPHL, I was able to finish the year in the ECHL with Wheeling, so that was a nice end to the season and a culmination of hard work.”

Throughout his first professional season, Topatigh showed enough promise and skill to earn a 1-year deal with the Atlanta Gladiators.  This turned out to be his breakout season. In 67 games, he produced 13 goals and 27 assists for 40 points, tied for most on the team by a defenseman with Tim Davison. Playing on such a talented team, it was a chance to showcase his skill and learn from his veteran teammates.

“During my time in the SPHL, I was fortunate enough to catch the eye of Atlanta’s Head Coach, Jeff Pyle, so we spoke a lot during that year. He really liked my game and to join a team with such a strong roster and culture, it was a great opportunity for me. I was given the chance immediately to compete for playing time.”

“All the guys became very close in a quick time.  Veterans like Michael Pelech and Derek Nesbitt were great to have in the locker room, mentoring the young guys like me. Even though they have families, they still took the time with you after practice to help with whatever you need.  It benefited my game tremendously.”

During this past season, Topatigh earned a call-up to the eventual Calder Cup Champion Chicago Wolves of the AHL.  While he only saw action in one game (recording an assist), getting the opportunity to play and practice with players that had NHL experience was an opportunity not many get to experience. During his brief stint, Topatigh soaked it all in and was amazed by the talent on the Wolves’ roster.

“Even though it was a 2-day experience, it was great playing on such a stacked team. They have some unbelievable players and they immediately welcomed me in with open arms. All the guys were very supportive and their coach, Ryan Warsofsky, gave me good minutes, even with limited knowledge of their style. It was easy to succeed with guys like Josh Leivo and Andrew Potsularski, two of the most talented guys that I’ve played with.”

In a season like no other, Topatigh now has a full ECHL season under his belt, including time in the AHL.  He has proven that he can compete with the league’s top talent, and at a young age, is now looking to take the next step. Entering the off-season, Topatigh is working to get stronger, stay in shape, while spending some much-needed time with family and friends.

“It’s nice to be back with my family for the summer, especially with how crazy the past couple of years have been. This summer will be very focused on continuing my development while I wait to see what’s next in my career. Regardless, it was a great season for me and now I get to look at continuing that momentum into the Fall. All I can do now is train and get better every day.”

It’s clear the future is bright for the young defenseman. When asked about any future goals, Topatigh made it clear that his dream is very similar to so many in the development system; to move up the food chain.

“Obviously everyone’s end goal is to make the NHL. Whether or not that’s possible, I think these next few years will be focused on training, getting my game stronger, and finding a consistent role in the AHL. I try not to plan out my future too much, I just know that I want to keep playing hockey and keep my love for the game.”

From the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) to the American Hockey League (AHL), the rise for Derek Topatigh has been notable and impressive. His story proves that hard work and determination combined with skill and leadership can pay off.  At only 25-years-old, he will look to take the knowledge that he’s gained from so many teammates and continue this incline.  Indeed a great hockey story in the making.