Kingston Frontenacs GameDay February 1, 2019

The development system in European hockey
is significantly different than it is in Canada.
Professional teams all have youth development
programs that keep kids in their system until they are
ready for the top tier. Ian Derungs was a part of that
system until this past June when he made the jump
to the OHL.
Ian Derungs was born in Frauenfeld, Switzerland,
but moved to Kloten early in his life. At 14 years old he
became a part of the youth development program for
EHC Kloten when he began playing for Kloten U15. He
scored 41 points in 30 games that year. The following
season he skipped the U16 program all together and
played for the U17 team as a 15 year old. He had 16
points in 30 games. When he returned the following
year as a 16 year old his point total took a big jump.
He scored 35 goals and 20 assists in just 39 games.
Ian continued to climb up the youth system until
the 2017-18 season. While playing for the U20
team, he was called up to “the big club” and made
his professional debut for EHC Kloten. He played
BILLY KIMMERLY
5 games, but didn’t record a point. EHC Kloten
struggled and was demoted to the Swiss League from
the National League.
After making his way through the youth system
in Switzerland and representing his country at
International tournaments 4 times, Ian decided to
make a change. He was drafted by the Kingston
Frontenacs during the 2018 CHL Import draft in June.
Starting in September, Ian would be playing hockey a
long way from home.
Not many players make their professional debut
before playing their first OHL game, but Derungs is a
rare exception. He made his OHL debut on September
20, 2018 against the Peterborough Petes. He recorded
his first goal and assist the following night during the
Frontenacs home opener against Oshawa. So far this
season Ian has recorded 8 goals and 9 assists during
his first full season playing in Canada.
Despite being a long way from home, Ian fits in
perfectly with the Canadian culture. He is a friendly,
respectful young man that is fitting in well with his new
teammates. Most importantly, he loves the game of
hockey! KF
OFFICIAL GAMEDAY MAGAZINE, VOLUME 46, ISSUE 26