Deters' Athleticism A Huge Boost For Concordia

Article reprinted courtesy of USCHO.com and writer Brian Lester.

MOORHEAD, Minn. (12/03/14)-- Andrew Deters' athletic talent goes far beyond hockey.

In high school, not only was he a hockey player, but he ran cross country and also played baseball.

And then came his senior year when he decided to put his athletic skills to the test in another sport.

"I decided to play football," Deters said. "I was a wide receiver and actually ended up breaking a receiving record that season. It was a lot of fun."

But hockey was always his first love and he was determined to play it at the college level. Deters accomplished that goal and is now in his fourth season at Concordia (Minn.). The senior forward is part of a Cobbers team that has the talent to contend for a MIAC championship.

The Cobbers (5-3-2) are coming off one of the biggest weekends in program history. They went out East last weekend and won the prestigious PrimeLink Great Northern Shootout at Middlebury. Concordia knocked off the host team 4-3 and then edged second-ranked Norwich in a shootout after skating to a 2-2 tie in regulation.

Deters scored one of the two goals in the shootout. Jon Grebosky scored the other. Alex Reichle did his job between the pipes and the Cobbers became the first team from the West to win the tournament.

"It was exhilarating to win in a shootout, especially being the No. 2 team in the country," Deters said. "We were confident we could win it. The win gives us the confidence that we can play with anyone in the country."

Being able to make a trip to Vermont also gave the team time to bond.

"It was the first time we had taken a plane trip together as a team," Deters said. "It was a great chance for us to build camaraderie. To win the tournament on top of it was a big plus."

Success has been a plus for Deters as well. Unlike a lot of hockey players, he came to college straight out of high school rather than go the junior hockey route.

It proved to be an adjustment as Deters saw limited time as a freshman and scored only one goal. He came through with nine goals and seven assists a year later before turning his junior year into a breakout season.

Deters scored 10 goals and dished out 23 assists a year ago as the Cobbers qualified for the conference tournament. This season, he has scored five goals and dished out six assists.

"I knew it was going to be a process coming out of high school, but I'm thankful for the opportunity I was given here," Deters said. "I stuck with it and it helped me get to where I am today. I go out every game trying to make the most of every opportunity."

Deters considers himself a well-rounded athlete because of his background but chose hockey because the intensity level of the sport is unmatched.

At Concordia, he is part of a balanced and experienced team. The Cobbers, unbeaten in their last five games, have scored 31 goals and allowed only 23. Six players have scored at least two goals, including eight by Jordie Bancroft.

Garrett Hendrickson leads the team in points (13), having tallied three goals and 10 assists. Grebosky has added six goals and an assist.

Reichle has been tough between the pipes, allowing only 11 goals and making 155 saves in six games. Jordyn Kaufer has started four games and has allowed just 11 goals.

"This is probably the most depth we've had on the team since I've been here," Deters said. "We have a lot of guys that can score on any given night. We've used that to our advantage."

Concordia faces three-time defending conference champion St. Thomas this weekend in a crucial two-game series on the road. The Cobbers are 2-1-1 in league play and have eight points. The Tommies are 2-1-1 as well and have seven points.

A year ago, Concordia was eliminated in the quarterfinal round of the conference tournament. The Cobbers hope to do much more this season.

"We know we have the ability to play with anyone," Deters said. "The big thing is playing well as a team and being ready to play every night."

Deters wants hockey season to last as long as possible, especially with it being his last one. But his days as an athlete won't end when he hangs up the skates.

"I'm planning to play baseball at Concordia in the spring," Deters said. "Hockey took up too much time to be able to do it the last three years. I'm looking forward to playing and having fun with it."