Coming from her hometown of Vawn, Saskatchewan, Jetta Derenoski grew up within the Battlefords minor hockey system and enjoyed an accomplished four-year career with the AAA Battlefords Sharks.
It was in her final two seasons where she found the most success, donning the captain’s “C” on the teal and white jersey in 2014-15. Derenoski finished each campaign in the leagues top 20 for points.
In 2013-14 the centre attained 12 goals and 11 assists, just under a point per game.
Her final campaign with the Sharks ended with 11 goals and seven assists, while also tallying three game winning goals, which was good for second best in the SFMAAAHL. “Captain Clutch,” may have been an appropriate nickname.
Despite her success, Derenoski remembers how the Sharks developed her intangible skill set and reminisces on the close-knit group.
“Playing with the Sharks built up my leadership and my ability to persevere.” Derenoski continues. “We were a team that no one could take for granted, a team that never gave up. We always had the opportunity to win. We had the greatest team atmosphere anyone could ask for.”
The 17-year-old still has the team motto stuck in her head, and is part of the reason for her constant grind on the ice. “Always Make It Count,” she says.
Now, Derenoski is enjoying progress in the JWHL (Junior Women’s Hockey League) playing for Notre Dame.
“I was quite nervous going into the JWHL. I was unsure of where I would fit in. Within the first couple of practices, Janice Rumpel, our head coach, had prepared me to take on the next level. It was a big step up, the speed and level of play was very advanced. There are so many high skilled players,” Derenoski explained.
It looks as though Jetta, herself, is one of those talented players. She is currently fourth in the league for points, tallying nine goals and 14 assists, and second on a team that sits on top of the Major Junior North division.
“Rumpel has advanced my level of play tremendously,” Jetta said. “We are either on the ice, working out, or in the shooting range.”
She also credits her success to her line mates.
“Jaycee Gebhard is able to bury the puck in the back of the net at any given situation. My line mates have all set me up numerous times for great opportunities.”
For a team like Notre Dame, one that has the most points in the JWHL, expectations are high. Derenoski has tall standards for the end of the season.
“I hope to make it to the finals in Buffalo, which is the season ending championship tournament. There is strong competition but I believe we have the team to take it all.”
The forwards’ achievements, not only from Notre Dame, but when she represented Team Saskatchewan at the under 18 nationals, has garnered attention from numerous schools. Nipissing University out of North Bay, Ontario, was one of them, a school in which she has just signed with to play at the next level.
“Nipissing has a great hockey program. I am looking forward to being a part of it. They have only been in OUA for three years but have had a strong showing, making the playoffs in their second year. Also, I have heard really good things about Darren Turcotte’s coaching ability. The Lakers are a competitive team, which is my style of play. I can not wait to start the new adventure.”
The Nipissing Lakers currently sit in sixth place in the OUA with 23 points.
From teal to red, to future blue and green, it doesn’t matter which colour jersey Jetta Derenoski throws over her equipment. She will continue to love and grow with the game. The lessons she has learned on and off the ice and with the many people she has met, will last a lifetime. Hockey has taught her, she says, to “chase your dreams and never give up.”
