By: Ken Oda, minotauroshockey.com
As the season approaches we will be giving you a chance to meet the new Tauros as well as learn a little more about the returning players by asking them 20 questions. We will be going in number order; yesterday we met Jared Brandt and today we hear from Derek Frentz. Come back tomorrow to hear from Ben Falk. For links to all of the past Tauros 20 Questions look to the bottom of this page.
Derek Frentz is the first player we will meet that has never played for the Tauros before. Entering his second season in the NAHL Frentz is poised to make the type of jump expected of a veteran player in the North American Hockey League. The former Michigan Warrior comes to Minot coming off of a strong final 20 games of the 2014/15 season in which he helped the now defunt Warriors push to claim the final playoff spot in the North Division. Frentz posted three goals, 12 assissts, and a +4 rating over the final 20 games of the season for the Warriors and twice earned an Honorable Mention for North Division Star of the Week (weeks of February 9, 2015 and March 9, 2015). His strong play down the stretch saw Frentz finish with five goals and 18 assists, his 23 points were good for seventh on the Warriors.
After leading the push to get the Warriors into the postseason Frentz continued to produce. He was one of the Warriors best players in the postseason posting a goal and a +2 rating in three games against Janesville, but it was not enough to keep his fourth place Warrior from being swept by the NAHL regular season champs. Frentz +2 rating in that series is especially impressive when considering the Warriors were outscored 21-7 over the three game sweep.
With size (6’0” 175 lbs), skill, and experience Frentz is a player who should step into the Tuaros line up from the start. A 1996 birth year, the Minnesota native has two years of junior eligibility left.
From the Coach’s office: Derek played in the NAHL last season with the now defunct Michigan Warriors. Derek really came into his own down the stretch for the Warriors and had almost a point per game in his last 15 games. Derek showed great offensive ability in our camps this summer and fit into our group right away. We expect him to play well in both ends of the rink and be a very versatile player for us playing both wing and center. Derek will be counted on for leadership as well. – Head Coach Marty Murray
20 Questions
Do you have a nickname: D-Rock
Older/younger siblings: Vanessa (older sister), Andrew (older brother), Sean (younger brother)
Favorite NHL team/player: Minnesota Wild/ Patrick Kane
Why (if you did) did you pick your number: It has been my high school number and favorite number for many years
Pregame routine: Stretch, re-tape stick, and mentally prepare
Ideal pregame meal: chicken alfredo
Any hockey superstitions: Nope
Best hockey memory: Winning 7 straight games to make playoffs last year
Personal goals for this season: Being a versatile player to make an impact in any situation
Favorite school subject: Economics
Favorite vacation spot: Hawaii
Favorite zoo animal: Lion
Favorite junk food: Pringles
Favorite musician: Florida Georgia Line
What song would you sing for Karaoke: I'm Blue
Favorite cartoon as a kid: Spongebob Squarepants
Hidden talent: Superior wrestling skills
Who is your dream date: Jennifer Aniston
Who would play you in a movie: Leonardo DiCaprio
If you could go back in time when/where would you go: 1980 – Attend USA vs Russia hockey game