By Shane Lydon, Sports Editor

Photos courtesy of aqsaints.com

It’s a case of so far so good for the Men’s Ice-Hockey team. The Saints currently hold a 15-5 record in general play, with a 7-3 record in conference play. Aquinas don’t play again until after the holidays but it’s important for the team to stay focused and sharp during the break to ensure they are rearing to go again come January.

The Saints completed the first section of the season with two convincing victories over rivals, Davenport. The first encounter between the sides saw Davenport take an early lead. However, goals from Kyle Truax and Brandon Rozema quickly turned the deficit around for AQ. Nick Stockert and Mason Stewart extended the Saints’ lead to 4-1 before Davenport responded.

From there on, it was one way traffic as Aquinas took the win with a convincing 8-2 final score. Rozema and Stockert both netted their second while Michael Fary and Steven Gustafson rounded off the victory.

Davenport arrived at the Byron Center the following day looking for sweet retribution for their comprehensive defeat the night before. Unfortunately for the Panthers, Aquinas proved to be too strong again. In fact, Aquinas made an even more impressive in victory on this occasion, smashing ten past the opposition to secure a resounding win.

Davenport gave as good as they got in the early knockings and finished the first period tied at 1-1 with Aquinas’ goal coming from Stockert. The Saints upped the tempo in the second period and swiftly pulled away from their city rivals to round off a 10-2 win. Despite the lethalness in attack, credit must also go to goaltender Nick Ottenbacher who ensured that Aquinas stayed solid at the other end with another resolute performance.

The signs are all positive for the team at the moment. Confidence is high and they’ve won 11 of their last 12 games. The Saints don’t play again until Jan. 11 when they will take on Grand Valley but if they can keep this momentum going into the New Year, perhaps Aquinas will have their eye on another assault at Nationals in the Spring.