Davis, CA—One year after a heartbreaking loss to Santa Clara University cost them a playoff spot, the UC Davis Ice Hockey team is back and ready for vengeance. Having added 30 new players over the past two years, the Aggies are bringing their program to new heights — adding a second team. That’s right, this year the Aggies are fielding not only an ACHA team, but a Vacaville Adult Hockey League (VAHL) team as well. While the UC Davis Aggies ACHA team opens their season Friday, October 4th at 9:00 PM against UC San Diego, the Aggies VAHL team will play Sunday at 4:15 PM against the Bandits. These games promise to kickstart an exciting season of high level hockey. 

Returning as Captain and President for the second season is senior defenseman Wyatt Moore (#60). Known for his elite passing ability, Moore is expected to lead a strong veteran D-core. Rounding out the leadership group are sophomore vice president Jordan Facundo (#39) and journeyman senior treasurer Cameron Stone (#16). They are leading the Aggies as they take on a much more difficult and lengthy schedule this year. After playing just 13 games a season ago, the Aggies have doubled that number to 26 scheduled games in 2024-2025. That schedule includes games against powerhouse teams like Cal Berkeley (October 10th and 11th), Northern Arizona (November 7th), and San Jose State (November 23rd). 

Despite the schedule, Moore believes the Aggies are up to the task. “The expectations for our team going into any game are always the same: win. This year, we feel we have the right pieces to get the job done,” Moore said. Also returning to the Aggies schedule is rival Santa Rosa Junior College. SRJC took a one year hiatus but will return this year to continue their heated battles with UC Davis. “They’re always tough physical games that could go either way,” remarked Stone. This year figures to bring more of the intense matchups Aggie fans have long enjoyed. 

The UC Davis Aggies VAHL team marks the start of a new era. Gone are the days where the Aggies fielded lineups of just six skaters due to injury. Instead, the program now has 46 members, enough for two full rosters. Moore, along with head coach Niklas “Brauny” Braun and assistant coach Timur Katsnelson, were instrumental in the creation and execution of the new system. Moore hopes that having two teams “helps grow hockey at UC Davis and shows all potential players and fans that there is a spot on our team for everyone.” 

The inaugural VAHL Aggies will play a 12 game schedule in the Adult Silver division starting this Sunday against the Bandits. All games will be on Sundays, with the regular season lasting until December 8th. A two week playoff round follows the regular season, and the Aggies ultimate goal is to come away with a championship. 

With so much thrilling hockey on the docket this year, the Aggies are aiming to make games more accessible to fans. Tickets are free for everyone at all home games, and the schedule can be found online at https://www.ucdavishockey.com/schedule. We hope to see you there!