By Grace Malec, Sports Editor
The Aquinas College Women’s Hockey team has been putting in the work this off-season and they are ready to start their season off strong.
After finishing a tough season in 2024, winning only four of the 22 games played, the athletes on the Women’s hockey team have something to prove this year. Whether it is early morning lifts in the weight room, or late-nights on the ice, the team has been pushing themselves to their limit to ensure this season they are the best they can be. Senior Alyssa Exline said “We have been working hard in our 6 a.m. practices, and getting in the gym to prepare for our home opener.”
Although this year’s roster is small, they are powerful. With the team consisting of only two freshmen, two sophomores, four juniors, three seniors, and one graduate student, the close-community of the team proves that teamwork is the key to success. Exline said “We might be a small team, but we are not to be underestimated. As a team, we have accomplished so much and only plan to get better as the season progresses.”
The team has gone through lots of changes and challenges in the prior years which has ultimately led to the team’s resiliency. With an ever changing roster and little room for scratches, the team has to persevere through every practice, every lift and every upcoming game. Exline said “We have gone through many changes, such as three coaches in my four years, but despite any hard changes we have had to learn to adapt to, this season is the one I am most excited for.” And that is what this team knows how to do best: adapt.
With the new additions to the roster this season, the team chemistry is slowly folding into a key driver of the team’s success on the ice. Senior and captain of the team, Kylie Rancilio said “We have added talented players to the roster and we are confident they will start impacting games at the start of the season.” Not only are the rookies and new additions to the team key components of the team’s dynamic, but the veterans are also putting in the work and are the ones who shape the team into what it is today. Rancilio said “Our veterans continue to develop their skills and we are taking the systems implemented by Coach Bland to the next level this season.”
With all the challenges that this season has posed, the 2024 to 2025 season for the Women’s hockey team will definitely be one to watch and one to remember. The team urges all students to come out and support and come pack the stands of Southside Ice Arena in Byron Center, Mich. Exline said “Look out for us this fall, and come support us at any of our home games this season.”
The Saints are back in action on Oct. 25, taking on Penn State away, looking to make a comeback after two losses against Eastern Michigan University in their season opening games. The women’s hockey team returns home on Nov. 2 to take on Michigan State University.
Photos Below:
Aquinas Women’s Hockey 2024-2025 Team and coaching staff – Photo by Grace Malec
Junior Kaeleigh Kachmarski takes a shot – Photo by Grace Malec
AQ Women’s Hockey Debuts their new “PWHL” style jerseys – Photo by Grace Malec
Senior Alyssa Exline poses for a media day shot with her stick “Barb” – Photo by Grace Malec
The Saint 