| Born: | June 30, 1981 | Draft: | 2001 Bruins, 179th Overall |
| Hometown: | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Position: | Defense |
| Known For: | NCAA (Hockey East) Champion | Shoots: | Left |
| National Team: | United States | Current Status: | Retired |
Andrew Alberts (born June 30, 1981) is a former American ice hockey player, having played his final year in the NHL with the Vancouver Canucks during the 2013-2014 season. Drafted 26th overall by the Boston Bruins in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft, Alberts returned to the collegiate level, committing to Boston College for the 2001-02 season. In four seasons, he amassed 66 points in 149 games, earning First and Second All-Star Team honours, along with winning the NCAA Championship in 2005. He made his NHL debut during the 2005-06 season, becoming an ideal shut-down defenseman and solidifying the Bruins blue line. In his third and final season in Boston, Alberts’ year was cut short by a Scott Hartnell elbow to the head, which forced him to miss most of the season. He returned in time for the playoffs that year, but the Bruins were eliminated by the Montreal Canadiens.
Just before the 2008-09 season, Alberts was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for winger Ned Lukacevic and a fourth-round pick. He set career-highs in assists (12) and points (13) as a member of the Flyers, leading the team in hits and finishing third in blocked shots. In the off-season, he signed a two-year contract with the Carolina Hurricanes, however his time with the new team lasted just 62 games. He was traded to the Canucks during the 2009-10 season for a third-round pick, joining a team looking to bolster their bottom pair. Alberts played in four seasons with the Canucks, though his time with the team was cut short due to a myriad of injuries.
On December 29, 2013, he was the victim of a vicious hit from Calgary Flames‘ tough guy Brian McGrattan. The result was a concussion that ultimately led to Alberts retiring early, at the age of 31. Internationally, he represented Team USA on two separate occasions, playing for the stars and stripes at the 2006 and 2007 World Championships. The team finished 5th and 7th respectively, and Alberts amassed one goal and one assist in 14 games.
Andrew Alberts Statistics
Deeper Dive
Achievements
- 2x NCAA (East) First All-American Team (2004, 2005)
- NCAA (Hockey East) Best Defensive Defenseman (2004)
- NCAA (Hockey East) Second All-Star Team (2004)
- NCAA (East) First All-American Team (2005)
- NCAA (Hockey East) Champion (2005)
- NCAA (Hockey East) First All-Star Team (2005)
- World Championship Top 3 Player on Team (2006)