Player Rep Spotlight: Derek Lodermeier (Jacksonville Icemen)

Derek Lodermeier is the PHPA Player Representative for the Jacksonville Icemen of the ECHL.  Lodermeier played four years at the University of Vermont where he served as team Captain in his final two seasons.  Since turning pro in 2020, Lodermeier has played three ECHL seasons, surpassing 200 career games played exclusively with the Icemen. 

How / why did you become a PHPA Player Representative and what are some of your roles and responsibilities?

Halfway through the season, our Player Representative ended up leaving and going to Europe, so I decided to take on the role.  Some of my roles include helping with health insurance benefits to make sure everyone has their coverage while playing. I also try and answer questions my teammates might have or reach out to the PHPA staff to get them an answer as quick as possible.  I inform teammates of all the resources and rights the PHPA provides to players.

How did you enjoy attending the PHPA Annual Meeting this year and what was your favorite part?

It was my first time attending the PHPA Annual Meeting and I enjoyed it very much. It was very informative with the various speakers who presented throughout the week. It was also nice to be able to meet other players both in the ECHL and AHL. My favorite part was being able to spend time with family while also learning about what the PHPA provides to the players.

What did you enjoy most about your time at the University of Vermont?

Burlington, Vermont is a great city to spend four years while playing college hockey. Playing at Gutterson Fieldhouse in front of a packed crowd is always something I’ll cherish. We had a great group of guys which made my time there even more enjoyable.

You were a Captain on various teams growing up including 2 seasons at Vermont.  Describe your leadership style.  What types of things did you do to earn the Captaincy?

I’ve had the honor of being an assistant captain or captain at every level I’ve played at. I am someone who isn’t a big vocal leader but more of a lead by example type leader. Doing the right things day in and day out is something I take pride in while providing guidance and advice to younger players.

What are some of your favorite pump-up songs you tend to listen to before a game or during a workout?

Hooked by NOTION

Favourite thing to do or place to visit in Jacksonville on a night off?

Playing a round of golf or heading to the beach with the family is always a great way to spend an off day. My wife and I also enjoy bringing our Labradoodle to Brewhound Dog Park.

You and your wife recently had your first child.  How have you enjoyed the first few months of Fatherhood and has your routine changed at all? 

Becoming a father has been the best thing ever. Liam was born in March, so it was definitely a

challenge handling everything with playoffs around the corner. My wife was amazing through

the whole process and we made it work while in season. My routine hasn’t changed much at all.

I just have to time my pregame nap along with Liam’s which works out most game days!

If you were not a professional hockey player, what career path do you think you would have chosen?

Being a coach or on-ice instructor is always something I’ve had interest in. Otherwise, I would like to stay in the game of hockey in some way, shape or form.

What are some of your interests/hobbies outside of hockey? 

I enjoy playing golf as much as I can. I also enjoy playing pickleball with my wife and friends.

What’s your favourite hockey memory to date? Why is that your favourite?

Winning the Friendship Four tournament in Belfast, Northern Ireland my freshman year at Vermont. Being able to travel to Europe and to win a tournament over there is something I’ll never forget.

You spent some time as a Personal Trainer.  What’s one thing you learned from that experience?

After graduating from UVM and prior to turning pro, two alumni of Vermont opened a hockey training facility (ELEV802) where they hired me to teach on ice lessons to kids in the area as well as all over the Northeast. It was a great experience working with guys who have years of pro hockey experience and being able to translate that to the next generation of players was awesome.

What is your nickname?

Lodes, DLodes, or Dad according to my teammates now