Axemen announce new recruit Charlie Derrheim

BCHL Spruce Grove Saints defenceman joins Acadia

The Acadia Axemen hockey program has added another experienced and dependable defenceman to its recruiting class, announcing a commitment from Charlie Derrheim following a junior career that included several seasons in the BCHL.

A native of Tsawwassen, British Columbia, Derrheim arrives in Wolfville after establishing himself as a reliable shutdown defender at the Junior A level. The 6-foot-1 blueliner spent the majority of his BCHL career with the Surrey Eagles before finishing the 2025-26 season with the Spruce Grove Saints. Over 103 career regular season games with Surrey and Spruce Grove, Derrheim recorded one goal and 16 assists while earning a reputation as a physical, hard-to-play-against defender who was trusted in key defensive situations. In 2023-24, Charlie was a part of Surrey’s Fred Page Cup BCHL championship winning team.

Derrheim is happy to commit to Acadia saying, β€œI 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. 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.”

Prior to joining the BCHL ranks, Derrheim developed in the Pacific Junior Hockey League with the White Rock Whalers, where he quickly became one of the league’s top young defencemen. During the 2022-23 season, he earned PJHL Player of the Week honours and was recognized for his defensive play, leadership, and ability to contribute in key moments.

After beginning the 2025-26 campaign with Surrey, Derrheim was acquired by the Spruce Grove Saints ahead of the BCHL trade deadline. Saints General Manager Rob Sklaruk described him as a “very reliable defender” capable of protecting the front of the net and logging difficult minutes on the blue line.

Derrheim quickly made an impact with Spruce Grove down the stretch and contributed offensively during the BCHL playoffs, scoring two goals in four postseason contests while continuing to provide the defensive stability that had become his trademark throughout his junior career.

Charlie described his game, saying, β€œI would describe myself as a defensive minded player who plays at a strong pace and takes pride in being reliable in all areas of the ice. I use my size and skating ability to defend hard, close gaps quickly, and make it difficult for opponents to create chances. I compete hard every shift and always look to bring a steady, physical presence to the game.”

The Axemen coaching staff believes Derrheim’s defensive reliability, maturity, and experience competing in one of Canada’s top Junior leagues will help him transition successfully to the university game. Head coach Darren Burns says Derrheim’s character and grit make him an important addition to the program.

β€œCharlie is a very rugged stay at home defensemen. He keeps the game very simple and has proven to be a very strong penalty killer . He has excellent leadership qualities and will provide toughness and grit to our back end. His style is tailored made for the AUS.”

With the addition of Derrheim, along with the prior commitment of fellow BCHL grad, Brody Juck, the Axemen continue to strengthen their defensive group for the upcoming AUS season.