Byron Center, Mich. — It has not always been easy for the 2025–26 AQ Saints Men's DI Hockey team. Between injuries, early-season inconsistency, and costly turnovers in front of the crease, progress has often come in small, hard-earned steps. Still, the signs have been there. The structure is improving, the chemistry is building, and the blueprints Head Coach Brandon Rozema has been laying down are beginning to take shape. What no one could have predicted, however, was the offensive avalanche Aquinas unleashed Friday afternoon.

Aquinas 19, Rochester Christian 3

The Saints erupted for eight goals in the opening period and never looked back, rolling past Rochester Christian with a commanding 19–3 victory. Aquinas dictated the pace from the opening faceoff, using aggressive forechecking and crisp puck movement to overwhelm the Warriors early. Brendan Bourne and Gavin Rozema set the tone with early goals, while Oliver Plato added multiple finishes around the net as the Saints continued to pour on pressure. Power-play opportunities were converted efficiently, and Aquinas carried an 8–1 lead into the first intermission.

The onslaught continued in the second period, as Aquinas struck seven more times to put the game firmly out of reach. Bourne completed a hat trick, while Braylen Outwater, Justin Lagrow, Gabe Meendering, Alex Johnson, and Zachary Burns all found the scoresheet. The Saints' depth shined throughout the frame, with contributions rolling through every line and defensive pairing. Aquinas maintained discipline and composure despite the lopsided score, continuing to play north and pressure the puck.

In the third period, Aquinas showed no signs of letting up. Plato completed his own hat trick early in the frame, followed by goals from Austin Plumert and Ben Cesario. Ignacy Drozd closed the scoring in the final minute, capping a night where nearly every Saint made an impact. Between the pipes, Simon Johnson was steady throughout, stopping 22 shots and allowing just three goals over the full 60 minutes.

The 19-goal performance marked the most goals Coach Rozema has been a part of during his time with the program, either as a player or head coach. It was a complete effort across all three zones, one that showcased not only offensive firepower, but continued growth in structure, confidence, and trust throughout the lineup.

Inside the Numbers

• Aquinas scored eight goals in the first period, its highest single-period total of the season
• Thirteen different Saints recorded at least one goal in the victory
• The Saints finished with 19 goals and 30 assists, highlighting balanced offensive production
• Aquinas converted multiple power-play opportunities while limiting Rochester Christian's chances
• Simon Johnson earned the win with 22 saves in net

Misc Notes from Friday

• This marked the first weekday (albeit Friday afternoon) game of the season for the DI team, and Coach Rozema has been encouraged to schedule more of these moving forward
• Coach Rozema announced the 19-goal output is the most he has been a part of as either an Aquinas player or head coach
• From the game stream: "Much like a cribbage game, no one can get 19 — but I'd also guess nobody had a 19–3 Saints win on their BINGO card," Joey Sutherlin stated
• If you would like to watch the game and see all the fireworks, click here

Coach's Comments
After the win, Head Coach Brandon Rozema reflected on both the performance and the progress:

"In the first semester we only beat RCU by one goal, and that game left us disappointed. Today the pregame message was compete for 60 minutes — all gas, no brakes. Happy for a lot of our guys to get their firsts. Meendering and Plumert with their first ACHA D1 goals. Plato and Bourne with hat tricks. Really happy for those guys."

Up Next
Aquinas will look to finish the home-and-home series on a high note when the Saints travel Saturday to Rochester, Michigan, for the rematch with the Warriors. The second game of the two-game set is scheduled for an 8:00 p.m. opening faceoff.
For information, stats, and a full recap of the action, visit AQSaints.com.