Ex-UW defenseman Andringa dies at 51
MADISON – The University of Wisconsin men’s hockey program has lost one of its more beloved alums.
Rob Andringa, a Madison native who helped UW win the 1990 NCAA title under Jeff Sauer but was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer in December
2017, died Friday night.
He was 51. “There’s now pain and sadness in our family,” UW coach Tony Granato said in a release. “There is nobody that I know who loves and embodies what Badger athletics and especially Badger hockey is all about more than Rob Andringa. You can extend that to his entire family.
“He had such a big heart and was so full of energy that he made everybody in his life feel like a friend and feel special.”
Andringa played in a program-record 179 games from 1987-91. He finished seventh in alltime assists for a UW defenseman (88) and 10th in points for a UW defenseman (103).
Beginning in 1996, he served as an analyst on both radio and TV broadcasts for UW men’s hockey. Perhaps his most memorable call as an analyst came in 2006, when UW defeated Cornell, 1-0, in three overtimes to clinch a berth in the Frozen Four in Milwaukee.
Seconds after Jack Skille scored the winning goal, Andringa screamed: “Woooo…Keep it going, baby!”
The Badgers went on to defeat Maine and Boston College to secure their sixth NCAA title.
Andringa, who was always friendly and outgoing, also served as a member of the UW athletic board and as president of the National W Club.
He is survived by his wife, Christi, and three children – Jack, Carson and Dara.
Jack Andringa posted a touching note on Instagram on Friday.
“If the dash between the lines is all we leave on this earth, not many compare to the story you left pops. Love you dad.”
Rob Andringa entered hospice care earlier this month. According to the family’s CaringBridge page, he was given last rites May 21, surrounded by his wife and children.