Grand Rapids, MI — Welcome to the AQ Athletic line-up to the Aquinas Men's DIII Hockey team. The hope of this squad is to act like a JV team and help grow the entire AQ Hockey program. The Saints opened their inaugural season against Davenport's DII squad, falling 5-1 in Byron Center.
Davenport 5, Aquinas 1
Aquinas netted its first goal in program history late in the second period when freshman Ben LaValley found the back of the net, assisted by veterans Jack Jeffreys and fellow freshman Gabe Meendering. Goaltender Cody Palmer was busy all night, turning aside 28 shots in the crease and keeping the Saints within striking distance despite heavy Davenport pressure. Veteran leadership from Nick Refine and Jack Jeffreys gave stability to the young roster, while newcomers like Parker Lahr and Nolan Rasmussen settled in defensively. Freshmen Owen Barrett and Bryce Bowling each absorbed early penalties but bounced back with strong shifts. Despite the result, the Saints showed resilience and flashes of potential as they begin to build their foundation.
Inside the Numbers
• First goal in program history scored by freshman Ben LaValley
• Assists by Jack Jeffreys and Gabe Meendering
• 28 saves from freshman goalie Cody Palmer
• 36 shots recorded by Aquinas
Coaches' Comments
Following the inaugural and opening game, Head Coach Nolan Smith reflected on his team's effort:
"The team came out skating really well against a very solid Division 2 team. The squad did a good job of continuing to grind away at their opponent. Freshman goalie Cody Palmer really stood on his head. Freshman forward Ben LaValley notched the team's sole goal and his first collegiate goal. The team relied on veteran leadership from players like Jack Jeffreys and Nick Refine. Lot's of good things to build upon going forward into the season."
Up Next
Coach Nolan Smith's squad will be back in action next weekend with another tough test — a home-and-home series against the Golden Grizzlies of Oakland University. The Saints will travel to Rochester, MI, on Friday night before returning home to Southside Ice Arena on Saturday. Fans can follow along with live stats, scores, and recaps at AQSaints.com.
