Davis, CA- Autumn is finally upon us, which means classes are in session, the air is getting cooler, and, best of all, hockey is back. This past week, the City of Davis experienced not only a tornado but also the beginning of the Aggie ice hockey season. The first practice was held on September 30th at Vacaville Ice Sports, the Aggies’ home rink. Given the success of the previous year in their run to the finals against Santa Clara University and the addition of several new players, there is much to be excited about for the 2019-20 season.

Losing Alex Sloan (#24) on the blue line might be the biggest roster challenge of the year. However, there is hope that incoming freshman Anthony Goldhawk will be able to make up for those minutes. Up front, the Aggies added freshmen Chris Dunleavey, Howard Dong, and Bill Zhang to the game roster.

Over the summer, team president and defenseman, Robert Polon (#18), was able to recruit more interest from students to join the club as practice players. One of the club’s greatest strengths is its additional focus on hockey development. In a new position as assistant coach, former Aggie forward Alex Fisher-Wagner will be joining head coach Niklas Braun to work with the practice players each week. The list of new players includes Alyssa Cardon (‘24), Madeline Frey (‘21), Jisu Kang (‘24), and Sonya Shifrin (‘24). UC Davis graduate student and sled hockey player Evan Baughman will also be attending practices.

Opening night will be a home game on Saturday, October 12th against Stanford University. In fact, the Aggies will be facing off at Vacaville Ice Sports for six of the seven games scheduled in the fall quarter. The entire season schedule can be found on the team website at www.ucdavisicehockey.com.