Thunder Mid Season Recap

HOCKEY

The Thunder men's hockey team is heading into the new year with a 5-7 standing in the ACAC, showing steady competitiveness and resilience as they continue to battle through close, hard-fought games. Despite facing tough opponents, the team has proven they can match up with anyone in the conference, thanks in large part to several standout performers who have made a significant impact throughout the first half of the season. Leading the charge is Dylan Handel, who sits in the top three across the ACAC with an impressive 17 points and 12 assists which is an achievement made even more remarkable considering he missed three games. His playmaking ability and offensive vision have made him one of the most dynamic forwards in the league.

Another major contributor is Isaac Leik, who has also earned a spot among the ACAC's top three goal scorers with a commanding eight goals this early in the season. His scoring touch and strong presence in the offensive zone have been crucial to the team's success. On the back end, goaltender Griffen Bowerman has been nothing short of outstanding, leading the entire conference in saves with 309 and holding a strong .909 save percentage. His dependability and composure have kept the Thunder competitive in every matchup, often giving the team the chance to stay within striking distance.

With strong individual and team performances and a competitive edge carrying them forward, the Thunder men's hockey team is poised to start the new year on a positive note and continue pushing for higher standings in the second half of the season.

Team Leaders

1 - Isaac Leik (16 pts, 8g, 8a)

2 - Dylan Handel (17 pts, 5g, 12a)

3 - Griffin Bowerman (309 saves, .909 sv%, 3.56 gaa)

MEN'S SOCCER

Concordia's Thunder men's soccer team wrapped up their season with a strong 5-4-3 record, earning a well-deserved 4th place finish in the ACAC standings, which was their best record in the Thunder teams since 2019. Throughout the soccer season, the team showed resilience, discipline, and a commitment to improving each match, which helped them secure a competitive spot but left them short to secure the playoff position. Anchoring the defensive end was goalkeeper Rostyslav Leha, who not only provided steady leadership but also finished the season leading the entire ACAC in minutes played, along with an impressive 44 total saves. His consistency between the posts was a major factor in the team's success. Offensively, the Thunder were powered by standout performances from Carlos Echeverria and Sam Viera, who led the squad in both points and goals, providing crucial scoring when the team needed it most. Together, these key players helped shape a strong and memorable season for the Thunder.

Team Leaders

1 - Rostyslav Leha (1.58 GAA, SV% .698, 44 SV)

2 - Carlos Echeverria-Figueroa (17pts, 7G, 3A)

3 - Sam Viera (9pts, 4G, 1A)

WOMEN'S SOCCER

The Thunder women's soccer team concluded an outstanding season with an impressive 12-1-1 record in the ACAC. Their strong performance earned them a place at the ACAC Championship in Lethbridge, where they captured the title and secured a spot at the CCAA National Championships.

Following the championship tournament, Karlee Campbell, Vanessa Pietramala, Emma Ward, and goalkeeper Madison Kempster were each named to the All-Tournament Team in recognition of their exceptional performances. In addition to their success in championship play, the Thunder were honoured with several ACAC awards this season. Pietramala earned her third consecutive ACAC North Player of the Year title, while both Amy Fayant and Pietramala received ACAC All-Conference selections for their outstanding regular-season contributions.

The team advanced to the CCAA National Championships for the second consecutive year, hosted by Red Deer Polytechnic. Although the Thunder narrowly missed claiming the national title, they closed out the tournament with a commanding 7-1 victory, which was an excellent finish to a remarkable season.

Team Leaders

1 - Vanessa Pietramala (24pts, 8G, 8A)

2 - Abby Burton (24pts, 10G, 4A)

3 - Madison Kempster (0.97 GAA, .765 SV%, 39 SV, 7 Clean Sheets)

WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL

The Thunder women's volleyball team has officially concluded their first-semester schedule, demonstrating resilience, growth, and a strong competitive edge throughout the opening half of the season. From the first serve to the final point of each match, the group has battled hard, showcasing their commitment to improvement and their ability to rise to every challenge. Their efforts have been rewarded with a solid 5-4 standing, reflecting both their talent and their determination to compete with the best in the conference. With strong team chemistry and momentum on their side, the Thunder head into the break with confidence and a focused mindset, eager to continue building on their success when the season resumes in the new year. We can't wait to see the continued determination from the team for the second half of the season. 

Team captain Emma Thompson continues to set the standard for the women's volleyball program, leading the Thunder with 58 kills, while also contributing 11 service aces and 24 digs. Her consistency on both sides of the ball, paired with her leadership on the court, has been a driving force behind the team's strong performances this season. Setter Paige Luttrell has also been instrumental in the team's success, directing the offense with confidence and precision. She has recorded 104 assists so far, averaging an impressive 7.43 assists per set, a testament to her court vision and ability to elevate the play of her teammates. Not far behind in offensive production is Kolby Zimmer, who has tallied 52 kills and added 8 service aces, further strengthening the team's attacking depth. Her impact has been felt throughout the lineup, contributing valuable scoring and pressure from the service line.These key contributors continue to be major assets for the Thunder, helping drive the team's competitive edge as the season progresses.

Team Leaders

1 - Emma Thompson (58 kills, 9 assists, 11 service aces, 24 digs, 6 blocks)

2 - Paige Luttrell (104 assists, 2 service aces, 19 digs, 2 blocks)

3 - Kolby Zimmer (52 kills, 9 assists, 8 service aces, 12 digs, 5 blocks)

MEN'S VOLLEYBALL

The Thunder men's volleyball team heads into the semester break with a 2-7 standing, showing resilience and steady progress as they navigate a highly competitive field. Despite facing challenging matchups throughout the first half of the season, the team has continued to fight hard each game, demonstrating strong potential and flashes of high-level play. Their current record places them in a three-way tie in the standings, setting the stage for an exciting and tightly contested race in the second semester. With promising talent, growing team cohesion, and valuable experience gained from close battles, the Thunder are poised to make meaningful strides as they regroup, refocus, and prepare for the crucial stretch ahead.

The Thunder men's volleyball team continues to be propelled by the strong play of three key standouts: Alexi Dufour, Brodie Wight, and Liam Frost. Dufour has been a versatile contributor, recording 59 kills, 28 assists, and 12 service aces, consistently impacting both the offensive flow and the serving game. Wight has been a dominant offensive presence, leading the group with 78 kills, while also adding 4 assists, 13 service aces, and 26 digs, demonstrating his ability to generate points and provide reliable defensive support. Running the offense with efficiency and poise, Frost has amassed an impressive 179 assists, complemented by 18 kills and 21 digs, solidifying his role as a steady playmaker and key leader on the court. Together, these three athletes have emerged as standout performers, driving the Thunder's competitiveness throughout the season.

Team Leaders

1 - Alexi Dufour (59 kills, 28 assists, 12 service aces, 24 digs, 2 blocks)

2 - Brodie Wight (78 kills, 4 assists, 13 service aces, 26 digs, 6 blocks)

3 - Liam Frost (18 kills, 179 assists, 4 service aces, 21 digs, 8 blocks) 

GOLF

The Thunder golf program concluded another exceptional ACAC season, with Concordia University of Edmonton earning multiple team championships and individual honours across the conference.

On the team side, both the women's and mixed squads captured ACAC team championships for the third consecutive year, extending the most dominant run in CUE Golf history. The women's team delivered a commanding performance, securing the top four individual positions and finishing with a combined score of +45. Their closest competitor, Medicine Hat College, followed at +97.With the ACAC golf season now complete, several Thunder athletes earned major conference recognition after an impressive year on the course. The women's team delivered a dominant performance throughout both the regional tournaments and the Championships, consistently finishing within the top three and showcasing remarkable depth and skill. Their season was highlighted by an outstanding first-place finish at the ACAC Championships, solidifying their status as one of the strongest teams in the conference. On the men's side, CUE also put together a highly competitive season, securing top-three placements in both regional events and proving their ability to contend with the best programs in the ACAC. With both teams achieving significant milestones and multiple athletes standing out with award-winning performances, the Thunder golf program capped off the season with tremendous pride and momentum for the future.

Lauryn Psutka concluded her standout campaign by earning the ACAC Female Golfer of the Year award. She claimed the women's gold medal at the 2025 ACAC Golf Championships with rounds of 77, 81, and 77, securing the top position on the podium. Her season showcased consistent excellence, highlighted by a win at Regional #2 at Lynx Ridge Golf Club and a second-place finish at Regional #1 at Millwoods.

Rookie Caroline Frey was named the ACAC Female Rookie of the Year after arriving in Canada as a Swiss exchange student and impressing coaches during open tryouts just weeks before the season began. She quickly emerged as a key contributor, earning a runner-up finish at Regional #2 at Lynx Ridge and capturing the bronze medal at the ACAC Golf Championships with rounds of 79, 85, and 89.

The Thunder also excelled in conference recognition, securing four of the five ACAC Women's All-Conference Team selections, awarded to Psutka, Frey, Ella Gifford, and Ava Stach. On the men's side, Hayden Prins earned an All-Conference selection following his exceptional season and was named ACAC Male Golfer of the Year after an exceptional season marked by consistency and high-level performance. 

BADMINTON

The Thunder badminton team heads into the midway point of the season holding a solid 4th-place position, showing promise and competitiveness within a strong field of opponents. Despite facing tough matchups, the team has demonstrated steady improvement and determination, putting themselves in a great position to climb even higher in the standings as the season continues. With the entire second half still ahead, the Thunder have ample opportunity to build on their progress, refine their play, and make a strong push toward an even better finish. Their resilience and commitment to growth set the stage for an exciting and potentially standout conclusion to the year.

CURLING

The curling season is officially underway, with the Men's, Women's, and Mixed teams all competing in the Fall Regional hosted by the SAIT Trojans. The event served as the first major test of the year for the Thunder curlers and provided a strong benchmark for the months ahead.

The men's team wrapped up the weekend with a 2 - 3 record, highlighted by a pair of impressive victories. They opened with a solid 6-2 win over SAIT and followed it up with a dominant 13 - 2 performance against the University of Alberta Augustana. Despite these strong showings, the team faced challenges in their remaining matches, falling 9 - 1 to Red Deer Polytechnic, 8 - 4 to Lakeland College, and dropping a narrow 9 - 8 decision to the NAIT Ooks. The competitive weekend showcased the team's potential and gave them valuable experience as they continue to refine their play.

The women's curling team enjoyed a strong start to their season, finishing the Fall Regional with a 4-2 record. Building on last year's CCAA National Bronze medal performance, the group demonstrated consistency and resilience throughout the weekend. Their victories included a 6-4 win over Lakeland College, a well-earned 7-5 decision against NAIT, a tight 7-6 battle over U of A Augustana, and a commanding 8-0 shutout against Portage College. The team's early results underscore their competitiveness and ambition as they aim to return to the national stage.

The reigning ACAC mixed team champions faced a tougher opening weekend, finishing 0-3 as they adjusted to a roster featuring several new players. While the results were not in their favor, with losses to the three other schools, the squad gained valuable experience that will support their development as the season progresses. With time to build chemistry, the mixed team remains confident in their ability to rebound.

All three Thunder teams will return to action in the winter semester for Tournament #2, when NAIT hosts the Winter Regional from January 15th to 17th. The event will provide another important opportunity for the teams to compete, grow and continue building toward a strong season.

WOMENS BASKETBALL

The Thunder women's basketball team is entering the new year on an impressive high note, currently leading the ACAC in first place with a dominant 9-1 standing. Their strong start has been fueled by consistent performances, disciplined team play, and standout individual efforts that have set them apart in the conference. At the forefront of their success is Chloe Sutherland, who has been a driving force on both ends of the court. She leads the entire ACAC in points per game and continues to make her mark defensively, averaging an incredible 7.0 steals per game, a statistic that highlights her intensity, anticipation, and impact every time she steps on the court. With momentum on their side and key players performing at elite levels, the Thunder are well-positioned to carry their success into the second half of the season.

Another key contributor to the team's early success is Haley Cleland, who has been an all-around force on the court. Her consistent play, versatility, and strong basketball IQ make her a reliable presence in every game, and her stat line reinforces just how impactful she's been this season. Whether it's knocking down shots, making smart passes, defending with intensity, or battling for rebounds, Cleland continues to elevate the team with her complete skill set. Megan Jetzke has also emerged as a major standout for the Thunder, making significant contributions that have helped propel the team to the top of the ACAC standings. Consistently putting up strong point totals, Jetzke provides reliable scoring and plays with a level of confidence and energy that elevates those around her. Her ability to step up in key moments, combined with her offensive presence, adds another layer of depth to the Thunder lineup.The steady performance, combined with the dominance of players, has been instrumental in keeping the Thunder at the top of the ACAC standings as they head into the new year.

Team Leaders

1 - Chloe Sutherland (20.1ppg, 181pts, 5.6reb/g, 4.7ast/g, 7.1stl/g)

2 - Haley Cleland (7.5ppg, 75pts, 5.4reb/g, 2.3ast/g, 2.8stl/g)

3 - Megan Jetzke (7.9ppg, 79pts, 3.7reb/g, 1.3ast/g, 0.7stl/g)

MENS BASKETBALL

The Thunder men's basketball team is set to close out the first semester with a 3 - 7 standing in the ACAC conference, a record that reflects both the competitive challenges they've faced and the steady growth they've shown throughout the season. While the team continues to work toward greater consistency, several players have stepped up with standout performances that place them among the top athletes in the league. Leading the charge on the boards is Keellaa Gatwech, who currently ranks third in the entire ACAC with an impressive 9.8 rebounds per game. His ability to control the glass, secure second-chance opportunities, and anchor the team defensively has been crucial to the Thunder's progress.

On the offensive end, Shak Jama has emerged as the team's go-to scorer, averaging a strong 18.5 points per game. His scoring ability, leadership, and confidence on the court have played a major role in keeping the Thunder competitive in tight matchups. Not far behind is Malik Edwards, who continues to be another key offensive weapon, contributing 16.2 points per game on average and providing consistent energy and production each night. Together, these standout players have helped establish a solid foundation for the Thunder as they prepare for the second half of the season. With continued growth, resilience, and the contributions of their rising talent, the team is poised to make a meaningful push up the standings in the new year.

Team Leaders

1 - Malik Edwards (16.2ppg, 135pts, 4.7reb/g, 2.3ast/g, 1.9stl/g) 

2 - Shak Jama (18.5ppg, 172pts, 4.5reb/g, 3.1ast/g, 1.0stl/g)   

3 - Keellaa Gatwech (13.7ppg, 132pts, 9.8reb/g, 1.3ast/g, 1.2stl/g, 1.5blk/g)

CROSS COUNTRY

Thunder cross country wrapped up a phenomenal season with a strong showing at the ACAC Championships in Grande Prairie, AB, where athletes competed for medals and qualification spots for the CCAA National Championships that was held in Prince Edward Island. 

It was an exceptional championship performance for Thunder standout Ashlee Walker, who established an early lead in the 6km race and never relinquished it. She captured the gold medal with a time of 23:22, earning both ACAC Female Runner of the Year and All-Conference honours. Walker was the sole female Thunder representative at the CCAA National Championships in P.E.I., where she delivered a remarkable 11th-place finish just outside the top 10. 

On the men's side, the Thunder secured a third-place team finish with 81 points, earning a place on the podium and qualifying the entire squad for the CCAA National Championships. This marks the program's first men's team medal since 2016, when they captured silver. At the CCAA National Championships, the CUE men's team placed 13th overall in the team standings. Owen Stewart led the Thunder with a strong performance, completing the 8km race in 29:23. Rounding out the top three Thunder finishers were Markus Boland, who placed within the top 60 with a time of 30:20, and Joshua Chan, who finished in the top 70 with a time of 31:12.

With the outdoor season now officially concluded, the Thunder shift their focus to the ACAC indoor track season, which begins on January 24 at the Kinsmen Sports Centre.