[1] Derek began his ice hockey career as a young child playing for the CD Selects, a junior A team in Albany New York.

He also played junior hockey with the Neponset Valley River Rats, Lone Star Brahmas, and Green Bay Gamblers.

After completion of his college degree, Barach signed his first professional contract with the Cleveland Monsters of the American Hockey League on March 10, 2019.

[1] On June 28, 2023 it was announced that Barach had signed a one-year contract with the HC Vityaz of the KHL.

[5] Barach's father, Scott, played NCAA Division III hockey with Rochester Institute of Technology.