10th year veteran center Derek Whitmore(21) returns from a few seasons overseas, two in DEL and one in EBEL, to sign on with Reading Royals, his first ever ECHL contract.
The veteran forward with 2 games of NHL experience with initial contract club Buffalo Sabres was quickly named the new team captain.
He last wore a “C” on his jersey when he was a senior at Bowling Green University but has been a leader on and off the ice wherever he’s played.
At 33-years old, he may be coming back to North American pro hockey to set up life after his game has wrapped up but for now he hopes to lead his new squad to a Kelly Cup Championship, which would be his first title.
Derek Whitmore(11)
Undrafted 6th year left wing Derek Whitmore(11) was having problems fitting in to a veteran laden Hershey Bears‘ lineup after signing a one-year minor league contract with the team upon his return from a short, half season stint in Germany’s DEL skating for Augsburger Panther.
He did reasonably well overseas connecting for 9 goals and 14 assists in 26 games.
Loaned in a player swap at the trade deadline to Adirondack Phantoms, the 5’11” 185 lbs. forward has benefited, scoring almost as many points with his new squad in half the time.
He’s well off his 40+ point pace from 2010-2012 in Buffalo Sabres‘ affiliate system but given another full season workload could find the mark again.
Derek Whitmore(21) Buffalo Sabres
After scoring AHL Player Of The Week honors the last week of November for his 5 goals, +3 performance in a couple of games with Rochester Americans, assistant captain, left wing Derek Whitmore(21) received his first ever call-up to the NHL.
Originally undrafted, he has played in Buffalo Sabres‘ prospect system for 4 years. He was re-signed twice in the past two seasons as his numbers have steadily increased playing for their AHL affiliates.
In two games, he has yet to put up a point but has played over 10 minutes in each of the contests. He’s always been a very accountable player out there.
He currently leads the Amerks in scoring with 13 goals and 7 assists in 29 games.
Derek Whitmore(21)
Born in Rochester, NY, undrafted 4th year winger Derek Whitmore(21) comes home to the Amerks for 2011/2012.
He started his career with the team fresh out of college in 2008.
Buffalo re-signed him to his fourth one-year, two-way deal that almost assuredly will put most of his playing time at the Blue Cross Arena.
He did put some points up at a decent clip last season, his third in the AHL with Portland.
If he keeps that up, there’s a very outside chance the Sabres could call him up.
Derek Whitmore(21) Portland Pirates
Undrafted 3rd year pro Derek Whitmore(21) has spent all his playing time in the Buffalo organization with Portland Pirates.
He’s increased his point totals each season and is lighting the lamp nicely in the Calder Cup playoffs.
In the photo he’s listening to the national anthem with team mascots, Crackers and Salty Pete before game 2 vs. Binghamton at the Cumberland County Civic Center.