Western Conference Hottie: Derek Meech (Detroit Red Wings)

Ok, I'm ducking. I know the Red Wings may or may not be in the SCF when this gets posted. I don't know. I'm saying my prayers to the Hockey Gods, on behalf of the Blackhawks (THANK YOU playoff beards, it's again a pleasure to look at Brian Campbell). But all team favor aside, today we're serving up Mr. Derek Meech for your drooling pleasure. Honestly he may or may not have been a request. I've been laying down on the job here recently (Hah, don't I wish!) So I honestly can't remember. If I forgot you, please leave a comment or email and I apologize.

IMPORTANT HOCKEY STUFF: While playing junior hockey for the Red Deer Rebels of the WHL, he teamed with future NHL star Dion Phaneuf as the team's top defensive pairing. On June 23, 2002, he was drafted 229th overall in the 7th round of the 2002 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut on December 7, 2006 [Pearl Harbor day] at home against STL. He played in 4 NHL games during the 06/07 NHL season. While playing for the Grand Rapids Griffins of the AHL, Meech was named an (AHL) All Star after posting 6 goals, and 23 assists (29 points) in 67 games. In 2008, Meech was named "Detroit Red Wings Rookie of the Year" by the Detroit Sports Broadcasters' Association for his play in the 07/08 season. Based on the system the Red Wings employ, Meech has sometimes been used as a left winger. His versatility to play both forward and defenseman has led to extra playing time (that is one skill that always impresses me even if the player isn't the best at either; there's something special about being able to do it at the NHL level). Scored his first career NHL goal with the Detroit Red Wings on December 4, 2008 against Curtis Sanford, VAN.

REALLY IMPORTANT STUFF: Ok, I have an addition for my list of known weaknesses. (Oh yea, the blonds are still "on top"), so I'm pulling editorial rank and adding "Fruit Loops aka. Fruit Rings" to the list and you can all feel free to laugh. You may ask what prompted this little "baring of the soul." Well, none other than this - we've all been taught that breakfast is the single most important meal of the day and that notion wasn't lost on Derek. Spending the morning at the home of Pat and Lee Meagher, Derek and his family enjoyed a breakfast of Fruit Rings out of the Stanley Cup, washed down with gulps of champagne. "Yuck," laughed Derek. "That's a lethal combination!" [Link Here] It's a really good article about his day with the Stanley Cup. You know those blonds I mentioned before [yes I have a one track mind], he's one of them, with pretty blue eyes, 5'11 and 197lbs. Swoonlicious, interesting tidbits I found are: once met Chad Kroeger, lead singer of the Nickelback [COOL], favorite foods are lasagna and meat balls. Favorite movie is Good Fellas [Not bad]. Favorite TV show is Entourage. All in all, pretty good for a guy who plays for the Devils Spawn ... Oops Detroit Red Wings.