By Grace Malec, Sports Editor
D3 Hockey Starters stand on the ice for National anthem – Photo by Grace Malec
This year marked a new era for the Aquinas College Hockey program; introducing Division III ACHA hockey to the athletics department and bringing in an entire team of new players for the Saints.
As for any season, the team faced its fair share of challenges and ups and downs. Being a new team and in a challenging conference (MCHC), the team learned to persevere through the hard times and adapt.
The Saints faced the Western Michigan University Stallions earlier in the season and ultimately fell to them in the home and home series 2-4 and 1-7.
“The team fought hard throughout the season,” head coach Nolan Smith said. “The boys began to see the fruits of their labor during the second half of the season.”
Aquinas made it to the post season with a fire in them; learning they were taking on the Stallions once again, they wanted to prove themselves.
Aquinas finished the regular season ranked fifth in the MCHC, playing the Stallions who finished the season ranked fourth in the conference.
After 20 minutes on the ice, the Saints took the lead over the Stallions 1-0, with Cam Lippert scoring for the Saints and setting the tone. Building on the first period’s steady foundation, the Saints returned to the ice for the second period with even more drive.
Two Saints found their way past the Stallions’ goalie, with Jack Jeffreys and Tanner Guerra both keeping the momentum going, keeping Aquinas on top at the end of the second period.
The Stallions came back in the third hot, scoring one goal and tying the game. The Saints managed to keep the game tied and forced the matchup into overtime.
Only one minute and 30 seconds into overtime, the team proved their resilience and managed to take an upset win over Western Michigan. Tanner Guerra found the net for the second time during the game with a little help from Cooper Henson on the assist.
“It was just a good game,”goaltender Liam Donnelly said. “We’re the youngest team in the league playing in the hardest division in the league so it was really hard to keep morale and effort up all year. Everyone really stepped up for playoffs though and it was the best team effort we’ve had all year and I think if all the returners next year can run a tight ship and keep the effort in line they should be going to the national tournament.”
Donnelly proved himself between the pipes, tallying 43 saves in the post-season matchup.
“We were very blessed to have support from three phenomenal goaltenders,” Smith said, noting both Donnelly and Cody Palmer’s performance throughout the season.
“We showed resilience in a back and forth type of game,” Guerra said. “It meant a lot to me to contribute by scoring two goals, one of them being the OT winner, but what stands out most is how we responded as a team. Being able to step up in that moment and help us push us over the edge is something I’ll always be proud of.”
The team celebrates #4 Cam Lippert’s first goal of the game – Photo by Grace Malec
After the big win over the Stallions, the Saints returned for the second day of playoffs to play the Calvin University Knights, who ended the regular season ranked third in the conference.
The Saints fought hard, but ultimately could not find ground over the Knights, falling 1-5. Bryce Bowling marked the sole goal for Aquinas, with an assist from Luke McNabnay.
“We had a great season for a first year team and shattered every expectation,” captain Nolan Rasmussen said. “Our team showed lots of growth through adversity especially in the second half of the season. Having the number one team in the country on the ropes for the majority of our playoff matchup is something to be proud of. This team has so much potential and I believe we will be national championship contenders within the next two years”
With the end to their season and an upset win to end on a high note, the team is excited for what is to come.
“I’m really excited for next season,” Smith said. And with the success that the Saints ended on, it is only up from here.
The Saint 