By Grace Malec, Sports Editor
Members of Women’s Hockey are introduced before a game – Photo by Grace Malec
The Aquinas College Women’s Hockey team faced a challenging beginning to their 2024-2025 campaign, struggling to find their rhythm and build momentum as a team early on.
After losing to big name opponents such as Eastern Michigan University, Penn State University, Michigan State University and Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference opponent University of Concordia Ann-Arbor, the season for the Saints has been anything but easy.
With a roster of only 12 players, there is little margin for error when it comes to injuries or absences for the team, which is what led to a struggle for the Saints early this season.
Lacking skaters and facing injuries, the team was forced to postpone games against Grand Valley State University and University of Miami. Although this was frustrating for the team, it ultimately was what the team needed in order to be able to sustain themselves and stay healthy for the remainder of their season.
Members of the team note how this difficult start has driven the team’s resiliency. “This semester, our team has faced its fair share of challenges with injuries, impacting several players and testing our depth,” junior Kaeleigh Kachmarski said. “Despite these setbacks, we have focused on adapting and growing stronger as a unit. Through hard work, determination, and trust in each other, we continue to find ways to overcome adversity and push forward together.”
Despite the hurdles that the team has faced, they remain determined and optimistic, continuously looking forward to the next opportunity to compete and prove themselves as a team on the ice. Their focus is locked in on overcoming their early struggles while they remain excited about what lies ahead. “We are very excited to get back to playing games as a strong and healthy team,” said Kachmarski.
After a difficult start to the season for the Saints, it is crucial for the team to bounce back and return as strong as possible. The remainder of the season is met with challenging matchups from opponents such as the University of Wyoming, Indiana Tech University, Lake Superior State University and University of Michigan-Dearborn. The upcoming games will be pivotal as the team works to regain their momentum and compete at the highest level possible.
Regardless of a challenging and uncertain start to the season, the Saints of the Aquinas Women’s Hockey team have proven that their resilience, perseverance and determination are the key to overcoming adversity that is thrown their way. With just over half of the season remaining, the upcoming games will be pivotal to the team’s overall success. These matchups will provide opportunities to build their momentum, sharpen their strategies and prove that they are capable as strong competitors as they work to pick up where they left off. As they work to get back on track, the Saints are ready to return to the ice with a relentless drive to succeed for the rest of their season.
#66 Kaeleigh Kachmarski takes on a MSU Hockey opponent – Photo by Grace Malec
The Saint 