Grand Rapids, Mich. — In sports, there really is no consolation prize for losing. However, when a program embraces its challenges, believes in its process, and commits to getting better, improvement becomes its own powerful reward. For the 2025–26 Aquinas Women's Hockey Team, and first-year Head Coach Emma Hoch, every weekend is a step forward in a long-term build. The Saints know the journey will take time, but the buy-in, the spirit, and the progress are unmistakable. Their home-and-home series with Eastern Michigan this weekend proved just that — a pair of games that showed both how far AQ has come and how determined they are to keep climbing.

Eastern Michigan 6, Aquinas 0 (Friday Night)

Aquinas opened the road series in Canton battling against an experienced Eastern Michigan squad, with goaltender Izzy Buckett turning away multiple early scoring chances to stabilize the Saints. The defensive pairing of Lorelei Weinrick and Ellie Wallace helped clear rebounds and block shooting lanes in the opening minutes. AQ generated a pair of strong rushes led by Paige Ike and Reyna Dominczak, but EMU capitalized on a power play to take a 1–0 lead midway through the first. The Eagles added two more goals late in the period, forcing the Saints to play from behind against a team firing on all cylinders.

Despite the deficit, Aquinas continued to show resilience, with Kate Kramm and Anna Castle both helping kill off penalties and disrupt EMU's zone entries. In the second period, Cali Lindbeck and Bridgett Clay created two strong forechecking shifts that pushed EMU onto its heels. Buckett continued her strong night, making multiple pad saves to keep the Saints within reach. EMU tacked on two more goals in the middle frame, but AQ's bench energy never faded, highlighted by efforts from Elizabeth Bruso and Joleena Manone.

In the third, the Saints tightened defensively, holding the Eagles to a single late goal while controlling long stretches of puck possession in the offensive zone. Fresh legs from Sydney Clark and Kaylee Daigle helped generate pressure along the boards, and AQ's final penalty kill showcased real discipline and structure. Though the scoreboard didn't favor the Saints, the compete level, grit, and late-game execution reflected a team taking meaningful steps forward.

Eastern Michigan 5, Aquinas 3 (Saturday Night)

Saturday's rematch at Southside Ice Arena painted a much different picture — one of growth, belief, and a team that refused to quit. AQ struck first when Paige Ike buried a power-play goal off a sharp feed from Anna Castle, sending a jolt through the crowd. After EMU answered, Ike delivered again, this time finishing a transition rush created by Reyna Dominczak to tie the game 2–2 in the second. The Saints continued to generate offense, with strong shifts from Weinrick, Lindbeck, and Castle helping AQ sustain pressure in the attacking zone.

Buckett, starting back-to-back nights, stood tall against multiple EMU surges, including a pair of breakaway saves early in the second period. AQ's confidence grew as the game wore on, and the Saints nearly took their first lead of the weekend when Elizabeth Bruso fired a shot just wide after a feed from Manone. Eastern Michigan regained momentum with a power-play goal, but Aquinas refused to fade.

In the third period, Weinrick ripped home a top-shelf goal off a loose puck to cut the deficit to 4–3, electrifying the AQ bench. Defensive stops from Kramm and Clay kept the Saints within striking distance, while Ike, Dominczak, and Castle continued driving possession in the attacking zone. EMU ultimately scored short-handed late to create separation, but the Saints continued to push until the final whistle. It was one of AQ's most complete efforts of the season — fast, competitive, and filled with signs of a team starting to turn the corner.

Michigan 14, Aquinas 2 (Sunday Afternoon)

Aquinas opened Sunday's match-up with great energy, and the Saints were rewarded midway through the first period when Bridgett Clay jumped on a loose puck and buried an unassisted goal to give AQ a 1–0 lead. Clay's finish ignited the bench, and the Saints carried that momentum into several strong shifts from Cali Lindbeck, Paige Ike, and Grace Smart, who helped pressure Michigan's defense through the neutral zone. Goaltender Izzy Buckett stood tall in the first, turning away multiple high-danger chances to keep Aquinas in front. Defenders Kate Kramm, Lorelei Weinrick, and Ellie Wallace worked hard to clear rebounds and block shooting lanes, helping AQ maintain its structure through the opening period.

Michigan found its footing in the second period, scoring five goals in a span of 14 minutes, but the Saints continued to compete with resilience. Strong forechecking shifts from Anna Castle, Elizabeth Bruso, and Sydney Clark generated time in the Michigan zone, while Buckett made several spectacular saves before ceding the crease late in the frame to Trista Tracy, who finished the game for AQ. Despite the growing deficit, Aquinas pushed back early in the third when Joleena Manone finished off a setup from Reyna Dominczak, cutting the score to 9–2 and giving AQ a well-earned spark.

The Saints continued battling throughout the third period, with Paige Ike and Cali Lindbeck both generating transition looks and applying pressure along the boards. Tracy made a pair of strong saves late, helping steady the defensive zone as the minutes wound down. Though Michigan added several late goals, the Saints stayed connected, worked through their rotations, and showed the competitive fire that has defined the team's mentality this season. For a young and developing squad, the effort, scoring contributions, and continued growth were bright signs in another challenging match-up.
A Welcome Addition

Aquinas fans were treated to a special moment this weekend as freshman defender #13 Ellie Wallace officially made her collegiate debut. Due to a quirky conference rule, a player cannot appear in a sanctioned contest until they turn 18—even if they're already enrolled in college and training with the team. Wallace is one of two Saints who have waited patiently for their opportunity, and the California native made the most of her long-awaited chance, stepping onto the ice in both games against Eastern Michigan. The Saints are thrilled to welcome her into the lineup, and with her birthday arriving just in time for the series, it seems that playing time turned out to be the perfect birthday gift.

Inside the Numbers (All Games)

     • Paige Ike (aka Bestie) finished the weekend with two goals and one assist, including a power-play tally.
     • Lorelei Weinrick scored her first goal of the season and added strong minutes on the blue line.
     • Goaltender Izzy Buckett totaled 58 saves across the two games.
     • AQ scored three goals on Saturday — their highest single-game total of the season.
     • The Saints recorded a power-play goal and an even-strength goal on Saturday while adding their strongest third period of the year.

Coach's Comment

Following Saturday's game, Head Coach Emma Hoch discussed how this team continues to improve, how the bench is gaining depth, and how their belief in each other remains the foundation of their growth:

"Every week, this group shows me something new. Their belief in each other, their commitment to our system, and their willingness to compete through adversity are what make coaching them such a privilege. This weekend was a step forward — not just in effort, but in execution. We're building something real here, and the players feel that. We're getting better, and we're going to keep getting better."

Up Next

The Saints will have an opportunity to rest up and recalibrate before returning to action on December 12 and 13, when they conclude the first semester with another home-and-home series, this time against Penn State. Be sure to check AQSaints.com throughout the break for full stats, notes, previews, and post-game recaps.