Delbarton hockey standout junior Egor Andreev '26 has had a journey unlike any other. From his early days in Russia to championship-winning moments on the ice, Andreev's story is one of resilience, adaptation, and a drive to succeed, both on and off the ice.

A Different Kind of Hockey

Coming from Russia, Andreev quickly noticed the stark differences in playing style between the two countries. "Hockey here is faster and more physical," he explains. "In Russia, it's smarter, more strategic, and skill-based. The difference comes from the rink sizes."

A Journey Across the Globe

Andreev's path to Delbarton was anything but ordinary. His journey began in 2022, when his family decided to leave Russia due to the war. "I lived in Turkey for a year, spent a few weeks in Malaysia and Kazakhstan, stayed in Mexico for a month, then moved to San Diego. By 2023, we went to Boston for a month before finally settling in New Jersey and Delbarton," he recalls. "The hardest part was not knowing where we'd finally stop and start building a life."

Championship Moments

This season, one game stood out above all for Andreev—the Gordon Cup final. "It was unpredictable, and no one knew what the final score would be," he says. "Thank God, we were the winners that day." Andreev's overtime game-winner in the final remains his most unforgettable play of the season, helping Delbarton earn its first Gordon Cup title since 2023.

The Final Moments of Victory

While Egor didn't score a goal in the state final, he faciliated the opening goal for Delbarton, sending a perfect pass to Jack Gerne for an easy goal to give Delbarton a 1-0 lead.  As the state championship game drew to a close, emotions ran high. "We finally did it—we just made history," Andreev recalls. The feeling of achieving something so monumental alongside his teammates was indescribable.

Pregame Rituals and Secrets to Success

Every great athlete has their pregame traditions, and Andreev is no different. His routine? "I always tape my stick after warm-ups and grab a coffee before the game, usually from Starbucks." When it comes to handling pressure, his approach is straightforward: "I try to do something good during my first shift—whether it's making a hit or getting a shot on net. That gives me confidence for the rest of the game."

Life as a High School Hockey Player

When it comes to his daily schedule, Egor makes it very clear that high school athletes are just built differently!  "How busy we are—especially if you play club hockey during the high school season. You leave home at 6:30 AM and return at 10 PM. On top of that, you still have to do homework and prepare for tests."  To get locked in before a big game, his secret weapon is loud music—helping him focus and stick to his pre-game routine.  For anyone whose been at one of our games this season, you knew this to be true!

Advice for Future Champions

For young players dreaming of a state title, Andreev offers simple but powerful advice: "Believe in yourself and your teammates." His journey, from a young hockey player in Russia to a championship winner at Delbarton is proof that with determination, anything is possible.