Tanner Andrew, the son of Brock and Andrea Andrew has already surpassed the goals, assists, and points totals he posted in 2021-2022 with his New York State school squad. As of Monday, the Tigers topped the standings in the NCAA Division I Atlantic Hockey conference.
“In a short one and a half years, he is able to play in all situations for us and is a key contributor in our early season success,” RIT hockey head coach Wayne Wilson said. “Some of Tanner’s attributes are his stick skills with the puck, his skating and his hockey sense. He is very elusive when he has the puck and is very determined to get it back when he doesn’t have it. He isn’t afraid of playing a physical game and I look forward to continued improvement and progress in his game as we work towards a championship.”
A 5-foot-9, 179-pound forward, Andrew posted a goal and four points in 29 games in his first RIT season. This campaign he has already lit the lamp four times and recorded nine points in 20 games.
“Tanner has developed both confidence and chemistry with his linemates Grady Hobbs and Carter Wilkie,” Wilson said. “With his confidence, he has become stronger on the puck and has become more creative in making plays.”
When asked about his increased points production, Andrew was quick to credit his linemates.
“I feel like my linemates, Grady Hobbs and Carter Wilkie, have really helped me with my success this year as we have really good chemistry on and off the ice,” he said. “We have all been best friends since day one last year and that's really helped us in our on-ice success. Another part of it is just gaining more confidence from last season and getting more opportunity to showcase myself.”
One of the highlights so far of Andrew’s second season has been competing in a home and home series against Canisius College, whose team includes his younger brother Hunter. The teams split the series.
“It was quite an interesting and fun experience to play against Hunt as we'd never really played against each other before, and to be able to do that at the college level was really special for us and our family,” Andrew said. “We had our family and four of our friends in attendance, which also made it quite special.”
Family support has been instrumental in Andrew’s career.
“My family has been there for me since day one and is the reason I am where I am today,” he said. “I wouldn't be able to do the things I'm doing today without them, and I'm extremely blessed for everything they've done and helped me accomplish over my career.”
After two full seasons with his hometown Virden Oil Capitals, Andrew spent his final junior campaign split between the Winkler Flyers and Chilliwack Chiefs. Last season Andrew learned the NCAA Division I game.
“I feel like my freshman year really helped me be prepared for my sophomore season as I was able to learn a lot early on from the older guys and gain experience,” he said. “Being able to adapt and process the game at the college level took time to get used to and I have my coaches and teammates to thank for helping me develop and gain confidence.”
At RIT, which is located in Henrietta in the Rochester area, Andrew has excelled in the classroom. Last school year the business management major, who is pursuing a minor in communications, was named to the Atlantic Hockey All-Academic Team.
“It can be difficult at times to juggle both hockey and school but once you are able to find an even balance of both it makes it easier to stay on top of things,” Andrew said. “The teachers are also really good about us missing school and allowing us extensions to get things done and on time.”
