The Aquinas College athletic department is terribly saddened to share the loss of men's hockey player Alex Klekotka, who died in his sleep over the weekend. A junior from Grand Rapids, Alex was 23 years old.
 
Alex put together a wonderful three-year career for the Saints, which included him being named the 2021 WHAC Player of the Year and the 2020 WHAC Newcomer of the Year. He played in 65 games over the last three seasons and scored 32 goals in his career, while handing out 40 assists.
 
In his final game for the Saints, Klekotka tallied a goal and three assists in AQ's 5-2 win at Western Michigan on Dec. 11.
 
Aquinas head coach Jordan Permoda shared his thoughts on Alex's passing:
 
"My heart is broken, absolutely broken. I'm so proud to be able to say that I knew him and had the privilege to coach him. Al was the epitome of what you look for in a college athlete, a leader, and young adult. Our relationship had developed from recruit to player and was beginning its transition to young professional. He was so excited to start putting his degree to work with a new job opportunity and it was exciting for me to help mentor him through that. 
 
Kluk had the world in the palm of his hand and it was all through his own doing. He had earned all of his success and it breaks my heart that he doesn't get to keep climbing. I know that Al will smile down on the hockey world; the youngsters that he coached, his former teammates, and his current ones. He has unlimited coffees and ping pong games where he's at now and that's at least worth smiling about."
 
Klekotka recorded a team-high 114 shots as a freshman and finished second on Aquinas with 19 goals on the way to being named the league's top newcomer. He also totaled 21 assists for the 24-13 Saints in the 2019-20 season. In a shortened 2020-21 season due to COVID complications, Klekotka notched 11 assists and five goals in being named the conference's top player and also earning All-WHAC First Team honors.
 
The Saints are 12-5 this season, with Klekotka scoring eight goals and eight assists. Both of those figures are second-best on the team. 
 
Teammate Darren Johnson said of his relationship with Alex:
 
"From Michigan Nationals to Fox Motors to getting me tryouts for Juniors teams and playing college hockey together. There isn't anyone else I would want by my side through it all. You were a leader and one of the best mentors to help guide me through life. One of the most important lessons you ever taught me was: you are what you do, not what you say you do. 
 
In the beginning of the season, you said you wanted to be remembered as a person who always showed up for his teammates, was someone you could talk to and count on for anything, and most importantly a friend and a brother to us all. I think you've more than accomplished those ambitions!
 
From the classroom, work, and at the rink, you were always a leader and would show up for those around you. Not a day goes by that I don't think of you brother and I will forever lace them up for you. I miss you so much - this does not even feel real. I will see you on the other side, Kluks. God needed a goal scorer on his dream team. Rest easy, brother."
 
Klekotka spent three seasons playing for the Kenai River Brown Bears in Alaska, where he served as an assistant captain for the North American Hockey League team. Prior to his time with Kenai River, Klekotka attended Grand Rapids Community College and Northview High School.
 
The visitation has been scheduled for Wednesday (Dec. 29) at Stegenga Funeral Chapel in Belmont, Mich. Times have not been established. 
 
The funeral will be on Thursday (Dec. 30) at St. Jude Catholic Church in Grand Rapids at 11:00 a.m.

AQ Student Affairs, Residence Life, Campus Ministry, Counseling and Campus Safety are available to support any campus community member (during Christmas break and the spring semester) who has felt the impact of this sad news. If you or anyone you know is in need of support, please reach out to our spiritual, health and mental wellbeing resources or your local resources at home.