Hall of Fame
Adam Dekker has shown an unmatched dedication to the Utica University men's hockey program, serving as one of the most reliable and consistent goaltenders in team history before returning to the program to coach the next generations of Pioneer goalies. He played for the program from 2004 - 2008, and returned to coach the program ahead of the 2014 season.
Dekker suited up for the Pioneers in 91 games, starting in every single appearance. Thanks to this incredible longevity, Dekker holds many nigh-unbreakable goalkeeping records at Utica. Among these program bests are the career records for goalie wins (47), saves (2262 - 629 more than second place), minutes played (5,392 - 1,440 more than second place), goalie games started (91 - 23 more than second place), and goalie games played (91 - 16 more than second place). Dekker's dominance in net also led to the program's first taste of sustained success, with the team making noise in the ECAC West during each of his four seasons. In just his freshman year, Dekker led the team to its first-ever regular season title, with the team even reaching the ECAC West Championship. Under Dekker's watch, the Pioneers reached two ECAC West Championships and two ECAC West Semifinals, never missing the postseason during his time in net. Thanks to this, Dekker became a two-time All-ECAC selection, earning first team honors his freshman year and second team honors during his junior season. Dekker was also named a USCHO East Region All-Rookie Honorable Mention during his debut season.
After graduation, Dekker embarked on a professional career that saw him play for eight teams in a variety of different professional leagues. Dekker eventually returned to the Utica men's hockey program, serving as the team's goalies coach since 2014. He helped guide the program to back-to-back NCAA Division III Frozen Fours in 2024 and 2025, along with an NCAA Division III National Championship appearance in 2025. In 2018, Dekker was called to serve as the emergency goalie for Utica's AHL team, making his return to the Adirondack Bank Center for a cameo with the Comets.
