#20 Cooper Nienhuis celebrates a goal – Photo by Grace Malec
Men’s D1 Hockey perseveres through a tough start to the season
By Ashlyn Armock, Arts Editor
Aquinas Men’s Hockey fought to catch up in the third period in the AQ vs Cleary game on Oct. 10 at Southside Ice Arena in Byron Center.
The first period ended 3-0, with Cleary in the lead. “We didn’t show up in the first period, going down 3-0,” junior Gavin Rozema said “We had some urgency to fight back and potted some but it was a little too late.”
The second period was 4-1, with Cleary still in the lead. This left AQ with only one more period to recover from the Cougar’s lead.
With a mere 3 seconds left on the clock, a goal was made, closing the two point difference to just a one point behind. This concluded the game with a close 6-5 final score.
#73 Arseniy Malyutin and #44 Xavier Erickson celebrate a goal against the Cougars – Photo by Grace Malec
Despite the numbers, the team still found encouragement. “Getting some last minute goals at the end of the game and our effort to almost tie it up,” said Rozema, when sharing things that he was particularly proud of.
Team captain Zach Burns, who made three assists throughout the game, shared his thoughts on how the season was going so far. “I don’t think numbers tell a full story,” said Burns. “I think we have a passionate team filled with potential and we always bring the effort. So even though things aren’t completely going our way. I still feel good about the season because I know we have an excellent group of guys who are ready to do their best on any given night and not let little things like the poor start to the season hold us back.”
Overall, Jean Berthaudin made 38 saves and both Cooper Nienhuis, Xavier Erickson and Justin LaGrow scored a goal each, which was their first of the season, with Gavin Rozema scoring two for the Saints.
The team still has many things that they believe that they can accomplish this season. “I want us to be a top three team in the WHAC this year,” said Burns. “I believe that is a very attainable goal for the group we have this year.”
The 2025-2026 Aquinas Men’s D1 Hockey Team and Coaches – Photo by Grace Malec
The Saint 