The Atlanta Gladiators scored their first goalie signing by bringing Drew DeRidder on board in a trade-off that saw Parker Aucoin heading to the Iowa Heartlanders. DeRidder, honored as the Warrior Hockey ECHL Goaltender of the Week during the week of January 29th last season, rightfully owned that honor after the netminder went 2-0-0 with a 1.48 goals-against average and a save percentage of .952 in two appearances against the Kalamazoo Wings. The 23-year-old turned aside 31 shots in a 2-1 win on Friday, February 2nd, and made 28 saves in a 3-2 victory on Saturday, February 3rd.
Before starting his rookie season in professional hockey, DeRidder competed in 100 collegiate games. He began his career with the Michigan State Spartans in the NCAA before moving to the University of North Dakota for his last year. During his time at Michigan State, he achieved a career-best of nine wins in 25 starts during his senior year. Additionally, he led the Big Ten in total saves (723) and saves per game (30.1) in his junior season.
During his time with UND, DeRidder only conceded five goals in a three-game series during the NCHC Quarterfinals, which contributed to UND’s progression to the Frozen Faceoff. Additionally, he earned a spot on the NCHC All-Academic Team. Overall, throughout his collegiate playing period, he amassed an overall record of 32-51-12 with eight shutouts, upholding a 2.82 goals-against average and a .912 save percentage.
DeRidder also took part in 58 games in the United States Hockey League for Cedar Rapids and the U.S. National Team, achieving a record of 25-26-0. He participated in two games with the team that went on to land a silver medal in 2018 in the U18 Men’s World Championship, registering a 2.51 goals against average and .865 save percentage in that tournament. Also in 2018, DeRidder took part in the U18 Five Nations Tournament that saw Team USA win the tournament. DeRidder took part in 4 games, with three wins and one loss, netting a 2.52 goals-against average and a .900 save percentage.
Drew DeRidder is now part of the Gladiators team for the 2024-25 season, alongside Dylan Carabia, Ryan Cranford, Eric Neiley, Michael Marchesan, Jackson Pierson, Tyler Drevitch, Blake Murray, and Derek Topatigh, who are all set to kick off the season at Gas South Arena on October 19th against the Indy Fuel.
