Aquinas Hockey comes to a close

By Grace Malec, Sports Editor

The AQ Men’s Hockey Seniors take the ice at home for the last time – Photo by Grace Malec

With spring sports looking to begin their season and bloom into the best they can be, sports such as hockey are closing the book on a chapter in their programs. Both the Men and Women’s hockey team are wrapping up their 2024 to 2025 seasons as they take the ice for the last time.

Both teams had challenging and difficult seasons with their own respective struggles. With a predominantly young roster, welcoming 15 newcomers this season alone, Men’s hockey had many adjustments to make with such a young team. In addition to the young roster, the program also welcomed a new head coach, with Brandon Rozema making the transition from playing on the team last year to coaching this year. Rozema also had assistance from Assistant coaches Noah Pipper, Roman Malkov and Mason Stewart.

The team’s record from this season is a vivid depiction of the struggles they faced, winning only nine games in the season out of 35 games played.

Regarding the tough season for the team, freshman newcomer Simon Johnson said “As a team, we took this year as a learning opportunity with having 15 of our 28 guys being newcomers, and a first-time collegiate coach. We wanted to focus on developing not only to try to win a WHAC title but to prove that this is a turning point for Aquinas hockey.”

Even with the tough season for the team, their struggles also came with individual successes. Forward Xavier Erickson set the franchise record for goals, and defenseman Christian Look set a record for his respective position.

In addition to the individual successes seen within the team, there was also development not only from a hockey sense, but from a standpoint of character. “This season was rough for the team, but was a step in the right direction for Aquinas hockey,” Johnson said. “We had a couple of guys set school records this year and had a lot of character development pushing guys to become the best they can be physically and mentally for the next few years.”

The team takes the ice one more time for the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference Tournament in Fort Wayne, Ind. The team started strong, but ultimately fell to the Cougars in overtime 3-4.

#19 Nick Dashner celebrates a goal at the WHAC tournament in Fort Wayne, Ind. – Photo by Grace Malec

The Women’s hockey team also had their fair share of challenges this season. With having to postpone multiple games before the halfway point due to a lack of healthy skaters.he team had to work hard to regain footing in an already competitive division.

With the trials and tribulations of the season, the team managed to win only three of the 23 games played, a reflection of the tough season they faced.

The team’s small roster made it difficult to keep up with any injuries or illnesses thrown their way, with only 13 members on the team. Similar to the Men’s team, with the tough season they faced they are focusing on the future of the team and working on developing together.

Reflecting on the challenges that the team faced, junior Kaeleigh Kachmarski said “even with a small roster and the obstacles and adversity we have had to face, our team has built an incredible culture of heart, grit, and support for each other. Every player shows up ready to give it their all, and with the help of a great coach leading us, we’ve created something special this season and for seasons to come.”

The team finished their season playing the University of Michigan Wolverines during the Division 1 ACHA Women’s Hockey CCWHA Tournament, falling to the Wolverines 0-5.