NEWS

Newmarket Hurricanes rookie defenceman Travis Dermott (photo credit - Amy Deroche/OJHL Images) has officially signed with the Ontario Hockey League's Erie Otters and will join the club for the 2013-14 season.

The 5'11”, 180 lbs. native of Newmarket, joined his hometown squad in 2012-13 out of the local York-Simcoe Express 'AAA' organization after being drafted by the Erie Otters in the 9th round, 164th overall, of the 2012 OHL Priority Selection.  The 16-year old defenceman finished fourth in scoring among the club's rearguards, notching 14 assists and 15 points in 53 regular season games played.   Already a key member of the Hurricanes special teams units, Dermott was named to the OJHL Prospect Team that defeated the CCHL 4-3 in a shootout at the 2012 Central Canada Cup All-Star Challenge held in Wellington, Ontario and following the season, he was named a 2nd Team All-Prospect.

Dermott would take his game to another level in the post-season, playing well-beyond his years while earning the attention of countless scouts.  He would become a hero after scoring the North-East Conference Championship-winning goal in double-overtime of game seven versus the Kingston Voyageurs to send the Hurricanes to the Championship Series for the first time since 2009-10.  Finishing second among all defencemen in scoring during the post-season with 15 points in 24 games played, Dermott was also named the OJHL's Fan Favourite Award winner in league-wide voting by the fans.

“Dermott is a special player that is capable of stepping right into the lineup and contributing to helping us win,” said Erie Otters General Manager Sherry Bassin.  Bassin continued, “He has the vision and quickness that will be a significant addition the Otters organization.”

Congratulations to Travis and best of luck in the OHL!