Former CoE Star Drew DeRidder Named Big Ten First Star of the Week for the Second Time This Season

Drew DeRidder isn’t afraid to try something new. After all, he was part of the first group of student-athletes to attend TPH Center of Excellence, attributing his passion for hockey to his time at TPH Detroit.

In one of his first summer programs at TPH Detroit, Drew worked to refine his goaltending skills and built a solid foundation that would ultimately carry him to a standout senior season at Michigan State. “We saw a lot of potential in Drew from the moment he skated onto the ice,” says Dwayne Norris, TPH Detroit Director of Hockey. “We’re incredibly proud of Drew and all he’s accomplished. We know he has a great career ahead of him.”

Fast forward a few short years and Drew was called up to his USHL parent club, quickly followed by a commitment to Michigan State. He skated into his freshman year and was instantly thrown into the action. He spent as much time in the goal and learning from upperclassmen as he could. We’d say that time was well spent as he became the starting goaltender and has amassed over 1,300 saves in his career and has set the bar for goaltenders across the league with an impressive .945 save percentage, fourth amongst D1 goalies. And the season isn’t over yet!

Perhaps one of the biggest honors Drew has received in his college hockey career is the title of Big Ten First Star of the Week not once, but twice in the same season. Although this honor comes as no surprise to those who knew him at TPH Detroit. Drew’s natural leadership and love of the game demands greatness from those around him.

If his tenure at Michigan State is any indication of what’s to come for Drew DeRidder, the hockey world better stay on its toes.

Find a campus near you and/or register to attend our upcoming Nationwide Virtual Open House on January 10 at 8 PM to learn about our holistic approach to blended academic learning with innovative, hands-on, sport-specific training and instruction.