When Derek came into the league as a fresh-faced 4 season J vet with a chip on his shoulder, he was fortunate enough to have some LAP legends, giants on who's shoulders he could stand on, lean against and learn the ropes of the league from. To name but a few, Long John Donair @GCool, Yannick Svoboda @Whitecap and Jimmy Wagner @sve7en. They were amazing in their time, the trio being there on the Los Angeles cup winning team of Season 65. Great players on the ice, amazing humans, a big reason Derek would be made captain ahead of the S72 season. Despite these immense figures, he was able to form a rapidly growing connection with some teammates with whom he won the cup during Season 75 and who have been there since day one, most notably Adam Prpich @Rich, Axel Kirby @"Otrebor13'', Reed Kobo @Toivo, Nathan Meagher @Atox and resident wall between the posts Grzegorz @Zerg. Its been a career altering trajectory for Derek to have been fortunate enough to grow alongside these now LAP legends, and truly a team effort with everyone else who've come along the way, but the day ones obviously hold a special place in his heart.