Fred Page Cup champion Charlie Derrheim commits to Axemen hockey

The Acadia Axemen hockey program has added size, experience and championship pedigree to its blue line with the commitment of Tsawwassen, B.C., native Charlie Derrheim for the upcoming U SPORTS season.

Derrheim, a six-foot-two left-shot defenceman, joins the Axemen after three seasons in the British Columbia Hockey League. He will study business administration at Acadia.

The rugged defender spent the majority of his BCHL career with the Surrey Eagles before finishing the 2025-26 season with the Spruce Grove Saints. Over 103 regular-season games in the BCHL, Derrheim recorded one goal and 16 assists while earning a reputation as a reliable, defence-first blueliner.

Derrheim also gained valuable postseason experience, appearing in 26 BCHL playoff games and scoring two goals. One of the highlights of his junior career came during the 2023-24 season when he helped the Surrey Eagles capture the Fred Page Cup as BCHL champions.

Prior to joining the BCHL, Derrheim played a season with the White Rock Whalers of the Pacific Junior Hockey League. In 34 regular-season games, he registered five goals and 16 assists before adding one goal and three assists in 10 playoff contests.

Acadia head coach Darren Burns said Derrheim's defensive instincts and hockey intelligence will make him an important addition to the Axemen blue line.

“Charlie is a very rugged, hard-working defenceman,” said Burns. “He is a very smart stay-at-home defenceman who is a strong penalty killer and has a high intelligence level.”

Derrheim said his conversations with the coaching staff and Acadia's winning tradition made the decision an easy one.

“I have always wanted to continue my hockey career as a student-athlete, and after my first conversation with the coaching staff, I felt an immediate connection,” he said.

“The hockey program is first-class, with top-notch facilities and a program that always competes for championships. I have heard nothing but great things about the town of Wolfville, and I am excited to become part of the community.

“Acadia offers the opportunity to compete at a high level while continuing to develop and grow both as a player, a student and as a person.”