Danbury defenseman Derraugh makes NCAA commitment

The Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are pleased to announce that defenseman Matteas Derraugh has committed to play NCAA Division III hockey for Lake Forest College, joining the Foresters for the 2021-22 season.

Derraugh, 20, was an anchor on the Jr. Hat Tricks’ blueline in his second North American Hockey League season. The 6’0/200 lbs. native of Ithaca, NY, recorded seven assists in 41 games, aiding the team with smooth skating and excellent positioning in his own zone.

Derraugh also had experience playing in the NAHL during the 2019-20 season with the Fairbanks Ice Dogs and Amarillo Bulls.

“I learned a lot in Danbury,” commented Derraugh. “It was incredible being part of an inaugural team. We had a great group of guys that made it a blast coming to the rink.”

Derraugh praised Lake Forest’s academic standard and their improving hockey program as factors in his commitment. The Lake Forest Foresters finished 18-6-3 in 2019-20, skating in the Midwest Conference.

“Matteas was great for us this year,” noted Danbury head coach Billy McCreary. “He brought experience and stability to our young defensive corps. He’s an eternal student of the game, he is extremely passionate about his craft, and he works hard at bettering himself every day. We are very proud that Matteas has earned an opportunity to follow his passion as a student/athlete at Lake Forest.”

Derraugh becomes the seventh Danbury player to announce a college commitment in the 2021-22 season, and the 16th to earn a spot on a collegiate roster.

Click here for an updated NAHL to NCAA commitment list