Following a season with the renowned Penticton Knights of the British Columbia Junior Hockey League, defenseman Derek Mayer took his ice hockey career to the University of Denver in 1985 and was drafted by the National Hockey League’s Detroit Red Wings at the conclusion of his first year. In preparation for the major leagues he suited up with the American Hockey League’s Adirondack Red Wings (1989-1992) and the International Hockey League’s San Diego Gulls (1990-1992). As his chances of making the Red Wings’ roster dimmed he joined the Canadian national team and, with them, attended the 1994 Winter Olympics. At the tournament he played in eight games, scored one goal, and brought home a silver medal. Upon his return he finished out the 1993-1994 season with the Ottawa Senators, playing the only 17 games of his NHL career. After spending the next year with the Atlanta Knights of the IHL he split the following season between Finland’s Tappara Tampere and Team Canada, winning another silver medal at the 1996 World Championships. He then decided to skate out the remainder of his career in Germany with EHC Eisbaren Berlin (1996-2001), EC Bad Tolz (2001-2005), and SC Riessersee Garmisch-Partenkirchen (2005-2006). Since his 2006 retirement from active play, he has worked as a hockey coach and trainer in Germany.