Duane Derksen was a standout goaltender for the University of Wisconsin from 1988 to 1992. He was a key part of the Badgers’ 1990 NCAA championship team and was named to the NCAA All-Tournament team that same year. In his senior season, Derksen continued to excel, earning the title of WCHA Player of the Year and being named a Second-Team All-American. He set program records with 129 career starts and 80 career victories. His stellar performance in his final collegiate season led to him finishing top 10 in the Hobey Baker Award voting in 1992, recognizing him as one of the best players in NCAA men’s hockey.

After his college career, Derksen was drafted by the Washington Capitals in the third round of the 1988 NHL Entry Draft. He played professionally for 12 years in various leagues across North America and Europe. He had stints in the AHL, ECHL, and IHL. He also played in professional leagues in Finland and Germany. In 2000, he was a member of the Peoria Rivermen team that won a league championship. Derksen was inducted into the University of Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame in 2023.