Dr. Derek Hopko
Hockey
Dr. Derek Hopko was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada in 1969. Like many boys who grow up in rural Canada, he began skating when he was about 3-years old. Derek began playing organized hockey for the Gimli Vikings shortly thereafter, where he played until the age of 14. For most of these years, his father Richard was his coach, while his mother Charlotte and sisters Dayna and Dawn were active cheerleaders. The Gimli Vikings won the provincial championship in 1983, where Derek also received the most valuable player award.
In 1984, Derek relocated to a small Canadian town called Wilcox, Saskatchewan. Wilcox is home to the private and very prestigious Catholic school of Notre Dame. Young men from all across Canada come to this school to establish themselves as hockey players and work toward a career in the National Hockey League. Derek attended Notre Dame for 4 years, during which time his teams won several provincial championships along with a second place finish at the Air Canada Cup in 1986, Canada National Midget Hockey Championship.
The highlight of his career at Notre Dame came in 1987, his final year at this school, when the Notre Dame Hounds won the National Junior A Hockey Championship (Centennial Cup). Among the many talented players on this team, Derek was a teammate of Curtis Joseph (currently with the Phoenix Coyotes) and Rod Brindamour (currently with the Carolina Hurricanes).
Derek received a full hockey scholarship to Bowling Green State University in Ohio, where he played hockey from 1988-1990. Derek was fortunate to have played with some outstanding players that included Rob Blake (currently with the Los Angeles Kings).
Reflecting back on his hockey career, Derek learned may useful lessons that included sportsmanship, respect, commitment, and the benefits of working hard. Many long lasting friendships also were established that continue to this day. Derek has already made several trips to the local ice arena with his two children, 7-year old Isaac, and 3-year old Arwen. Among other parenting activities, skating with his children brings Derek great pleasure and pride.
Hockey Pictures
Derek in his Gimli Vikings uniform
Derek with his Vikings teammates
Derek at Notre Dame
Llew Ncwana and Derek
Guy Sanderson and Derek
ND "D": Tim Green, Guy Sanderson, Joby Messier, Derek Hopko, Jason Herter, Jeff Batters
Derek and the Notre Dame Hounds
National Junior A Hockey Champions - Winners of the 1987 Centennial Cup!
Bowling Green Falcons 1988 hockey team