From elite edge work to NCHC All-Rookie honors, Miami’s breakout forward leverages blistering speed and a multidimensional offensive style to help restore RedHawks hockey.
It doesn't matter how good your on ice skillset is. If a player isn't good on his edges, he's not going to thrive. For Miami University forward David Deputy, skating well is the cornerstone of his game.
"My game is mainly based around my skating," Deputy said "I like to try to play fast and use my skating to kind of create space and create time and space for my not only myself, but my teammates."
A native Gurnee, IL, Deputy established himself as one of the NCHC's top freshmen players during the 2025-26. Through 31 games, Deputy led the RedHawks with 15 goals and finished third with 22 total points. His season included Four NCHC Rookie of the Week Awards, the title of January's Rookie of the Month, and culminated with Deputy being named to NCHC's All Rookie Team.
Despite being on the smaller side at 5 foot 9 and 185 pounds, Deputy uses it to his advantage. He incorporates things many NHL players with a similar frame, including Brad Marchand's puck protection and Mitch Marner's shiftiness. Deputy actively strives to be a multidimensional player rather than just focusing on one aspect of his game.
Away from the rink, Deputy is relaxed and outgoing in between his new hobby of learning guitar. "I try to be a guy that all my teammates want to be around and easily coachable," said Deputy. "Away from the rink, I just like to be around my teammates mostly. My teammates are the best part of my day every time I see them."
Going forward, Deputy has high expectations for Miami this coming campaign after the team's resurgence. "I hope people realize now where we're going and where this program is heading. I'm really excited to kind of show some more people that Miami has been a sleeping giant for the last few years, and we're trying to wake that up."