Get to Know Sam Deckhut
2/23/2024 2:23:00 PM | Men's Ice Hockey
As a San Diego native, Buckeye freshman Sam Deckhut grew up without hockey as a dominant sport in his community. He began playing hockey at age three, following his older brothers' footsteps with help from his father. Deckhut's father is from Vancouver, which is how hockey was brought into the family.
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Deckhut's favorite team growing up was the Vancouver Canucks, because of his father, and his favorite player growing up was a Canuck, Alex Burrows. Following his pattern of looking up to Canucks players, Deckhut liked to watch Daniel and Henrik Sedin and tries to improve his game by copying their style.
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Until he was 14 years old, Deckhut played hockey in San Diego, when he then moved to Arizona for two years. From Arizona, it was on to Connecticut to attend prep school at Salisbury where he completed high school. After high school, Deckhut played juniors in the USHL for the Sioux City Musketeers for two more years before Ohio State.
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Having to move around at such a young age is surely challenging, but Deckhut said, "You become a lot more independent, and it's a cool experience overall." He also shared that his time playing with the Musketeers was the most beneficial for his development and it is where he found his game.
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After Deckhut took a tour of the Ohio State hockey facilities at age 14, he knew it was where he wanted to play college hockey. He also explained that his pull to the school only strengthened during the recruiting process when he learned more about the program.
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Alongside hockey, Deckhut is majoring in finance. On what it's like balancing school with hockey, he explained, "It's definitely difficult when we have to travel on the weekends, because we have to miss class." Although it's sometime challenging, Deckhut said his first year hasn't been too bad.
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In contrast with Deckhut's winter sport skills, during the summer, he is a surfing instructor. During the off-season, he enjoys going to the beach and surfing on his own in addition to being an instructor. He spends his time with friends at home over the summer, while also traveling and trying new restaurants.
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From hockey player to surfer, Deckhut has many hidden talents. He set his eyes on Ohio State at age 14 and worked hard to get to where he is today. Deckhut's hard work paid off, and he can't wait to see what else is in store for him at Ohio State.
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Deckhut's favorite team growing up was the Vancouver Canucks, because of his father, and his favorite player growing up was a Canuck, Alex Burrows. Following his pattern of looking up to Canucks players, Deckhut liked to watch Daniel and Henrik Sedin and tries to improve his game by copying their style.
Â
Until he was 14 years old, Deckhut played hockey in San Diego, when he then moved to Arizona for two years. From Arizona, it was on to Connecticut to attend prep school at Salisbury where he completed high school. After high school, Deckhut played juniors in the USHL for the Sioux City Musketeers for two more years before Ohio State.
Â
Having to move around at such a young age is surely challenging, but Deckhut said, "You become a lot more independent, and it's a cool experience overall." He also shared that his time playing with the Musketeers was the most beneficial for his development and it is where he found his game.
Â
After Deckhut took a tour of the Ohio State hockey facilities at age 14, he knew it was where he wanted to play college hockey. He also explained that his pull to the school only strengthened during the recruiting process when he learned more about the program.
Â
Alongside hockey, Deckhut is majoring in finance. On what it's like balancing school with hockey, he explained, "It's definitely difficult when we have to travel on the weekends, because we have to miss class." Although it's sometime challenging, Deckhut said his first year hasn't been too bad.
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In contrast with Deckhut's winter sport skills, during the summer, he is a surfing instructor. During the off-season, he enjoys going to the beach and surfing on his own in addition to being an instructor. He spends his time with friends at home over the summer, while also traveling and trying new restaurants.
Â
From hockey player to surfer, Deckhut has many hidden talents. He set his eyes on Ohio State at age 14 and worked hard to get to where he is today. Deckhut's hard work paid off, and he can't wait to see what else is in store for him at Ohio State.
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