Recruiting: Drew DeRidder commits to Michigan State

By @MichaelCaples –

Michigan State picked up an important verbal commitment today, when Drew DeRidder made the decision to select the Spartans.

DeRidder, one of the top goaltenders in the country for the 2000 birth-year age group, is a draft pick of the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders of the USHL. Last winter, he led Team USA to a gold medal in the Youth Olympic Games in Lillehammer, Norway.

The Fenton native and product of the Oakland Jr. Grizzlies told MiHockey that playing college hockey has always been on his list of hockey-related dreams.

“Playing D1 hockey has always been a goal of mine,” DeRidder said. “I have chosen MSU because I have always been a Spartan fan and have dreamed of playing there.”

Against some of the best in the world in his age group during the Youth Olympic Games, DeRidder certainly impressed – he posted four wins in four games played, while recording a 94.94 save percentage, a 1.00 goals-against average and 75 saves on 79 shots against. DeRidder was one of a select few goaltenders invited to the Warren Strelow National Goaltending Camp earlier this summer. He’s also a sixth-round pick of the Soo Greyhounds of the OHL.

The Total Package Hockey Center of Excellence student, slated to compete for the OJG U18 AAA team this season, said he’s excited to be a part of the MSU family.

“I love the campus and feel at home in Munn Arena,” DeRidder said. “I am honored with the opportunity to continue my career at MSU and I look forward to helping the program compete for a national championship.”

His coach at the Center of Excellence couldn’t be prouder.

“With all of Drew’s hockey accomplishments over the past year, he still maintained a 4.0 GPA,” said Brandon Naurato, director of hockey for TPH Detroit. “This is a testament to his passion for the game and the habits that he has implemented into his life as a young man to create future opportunities and success in his future. We are extremely proud of Drew and his commitment to play at a program like Michigan State University. He is the poster boy for what the TPH CoE represent.”