Grand Rapids, Mich. – In athletics, program growth can be frustrating for both players and fans, especially when progress isn't immediately reflected in the standings. For student-athletes inside the program, however, the improvement is often visible long before the results follow. The Aquinas Men's DI Hockey team has made marked strides over the past two seasons, but through November of 2025, that growth had yet to translate into consistent wins. Since the close of the calendar year, that narrative has begun to change, as the Saints have proven they can compete with anyone on the ice. This weekend served as a clear microcosm of that evolution.
Lawrence Tech 4, Aquinas 3
(Friday, January 16 – Byron Center, Mich.)
Friday night's contest saw Aquinas deliver a ferocious response after falling behind, nearly completing a dramatic comeback against Lawrence Tech at Southside Ice Arena. The Saints found themselves trailing 4–1 late in the second period but refused to fold, turning the final 20 minutes into one of their strongest stretches of hockey this season.
After Lawrence Tech opened the scoring early, Aquinas answered late in the second period when Cooper Nienhuis finished an even-strength opportunity off feeds from Brendan Bourne and Gavin Rozema to put the Saints on the board. Despite the Blue Devils extending their lead with three goals in the middle frame, Aquinas carried momentum into the third period and quickly flipped the tone of the game.
The comeback began at the 16:07 mark of the third period when Xavier Erickson buried a goal set up by Logan Boettcher and goaltender Jean Berthaudin, trimming the deficit to two. Just over ten minutes later, Aquinas struck again on the power play, as Ben Cesario snapped home a goal assisted by Nienhuis and Rozema, pulling the Saints within a single goal.
From there, Aquinas pushed relentlessly, generating sustained offensive-zone pressure and forcing Lawrence Tech to defend deep into the final minutes. Berthaudin was outstanding in net, turning aside 36 shots and keeping the Saints within striking distance until the final horn. Though the rally ultimately fell short, the response showcased the grit, belief, and growing confidence of the Aquinas lineup.
Aquinas 2, Lawrence Tech 1
(Saturday, January 17 – Southfield, Mich.)
The Saints carried Friday night's momentum into Saturday and were rewarded with a gritty, composed 2–1 road victory over Lawrence Tech, earning a well-deserved split in the WHAC home-and-home series.
Aquinas opened the scoring late in the first period when Brendan Bourne capitalized on an even-strength chance at the 19:15 mark, finishing a play set up by Gavin Rozema and Cooper Nienhuis. The goal gave the Saints a 1–0 lead heading into the intermission and set the tone for a disciplined, structured effort.
The game-winning moment came early in the third period when Aiden Middendorf jumped on a turnover and fired home an unassisted goal at the 3:05 mark, doubling the Aquinas advantage. Lawrence Tech responded shortly after, but the Saints remained calm under pressure, leaning on strong defensive play and timely clears to protect the lead.
Berthaudin once again anchored the effort in goal, stopping all but one shot to secure the road victory. Solid defensive contributions from Easton Pratt, Braylen Outwater, Zachary Burns, and Logan Boettcher, combined with responsible two-way play from the forward group, allowed Aquinas to close out the contest and earn a statement win away from home.
Inside the Numbers (Combined Two Games)
• Aquinas outscored Lawrence Tech 5–1 in third periods
• Jean Berthaudin recorded 71 saves across the weekend
• The Saints featured five different goal scorers
• Aquinas scored two special-teams goals on Friday night
• Saturday's victory marked a key WHAC road win for the Saints
Coach's Comments
After Saturday's win, Head Coach Brandon Rozema reflected on the two-game series:
"I was really proud of how we finished Friday night. Being down and continuing to push showed a lot about the character of this group. To come back Saturday on the road, stay disciplined, and close out a tight game is a big step forward. This team continues to learn, grow, and mature in how we play."
Up Next
Coach Rozema's crew will be back in action with yet another WHAC home-and-home, this time against the Cardinals. The series opens Friday night at Southside Ice Arena, with puck drop scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
The two-game set then shifts north on Saturday, as Saginaw Bay Ice Arena in Saginaw, Michigan, plays host to the rematch. Friday night's contest will be streamed live, with Joey Sutherlin on the call.
Visit AQSaints.com for streaming information, live stats, and complete post-game coverage.
