The time has come. An adage that may be overused in sports, but alas, the time has come. The end of the regular season for hockey in the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) will be here on Friday, and for the two teams here at Wilkes, it’s certainly been a memorable ride so far.

Beginning with the women’s team, of course led by the ever-dangerous Haylee Bouchard and Nina Hudakova, as well as a multitude of key players in all positions.

The team is nationally ranked, and rightfully so.

Throughout the season the Colonels have shown teams across the Northeast U.S. what they’re made of. Dominating performances during the 2025-26 season led to the team clinching the first seed in the MAC playoffs.

The road to clinching the number one seed in the MAC may seem easy to an outsider. However, if you had the chance to see the team in action, you would have seen the reasons why they dominated the conference this season.

Bouchard and Hudakova have turned into arguably the two best players in the MAC, and maybe even two of the best players in all of Division III. Every time either of the two get the puck, they seem to score.

There’s been countless goals scored by the Colonels this season that have had involvements from Hudakova, Bouchard or both. Another forward, who seems to be under the radar of sorts is Jordan Ferry.

She’s lined up mostly on the second line as the center, but has continued to develop into one of the most important players on the roster. Ferry recently recorded a hat trick on Feb. 13, the fourth player to do so in team history. The other three?: Bouchard, Hudakova and Renee Ng.

Goaltending has also been a key factor this season. Audrey Milne continues to be a metaphorical brick well between the pipes. Defensively, the team is talented, there’s not much more to say.
Anneke Bouma, Drew Hayhurst among others have held down the fort, and helped limit scoring chances before they even reach Milne.

The fact that the team only has two graduating players this season not only sets up for the future, but for Head Coach Dave LaBaff, a core of young players within the program for a number of years to come could prove to be fruitful, even more than it already has.

The women’s hockey team will have home advantage throughout the MAC playoffs as they aim to make it back to the NCAA tournament. They won the MAC last year on home ice. It will be interesting to see what the Wilkes women’s hockey team can do as they search for another conference title to put under their belt.

For the men’s team, it’s been a bit up and down throughout. Clinching a playoff berth wasn’t exactly the easiest thing for the Colonels, but they made it, and will play at least an extra week of hockey come playoff time.

Tyler Hynes, in his seventh season as head coach has brought his team to yet another postseason appearance, and aims to steer the ship in the right direction a year after the Colonels lost the MAC final to Stevenson.

They’ve had some rough patches, followed up by some great stretches. However, it’s the seniors that were expected to have great seasons who have been living up to expectations.

Cam Lowe, Matt Carlson, Christian Blomquist, among others have been solid forwards throughout the 2025-26 season. Lowe is on a great run towards the end of the regular season, scoring goals left and right it seems. Another forward, Jack Lee has become another key piece for the Colonels after transferring to Wilkes this past offseason.

The emergence of goaltenders Duncan Rolleman and Jeffrey Fillion has also been a big part of why the Colonels have had their success. Fillion has already appeared in some tough matchups and done well, despite being a first year goaltender. Rolleman has turned into a prime time starter after taking over the duties in the crease.

On the blueline, Nate Terski, Mason Vonk and first-year defenseman Liam O’Donoghue have proven themselves time and time again during this campaign that they aren’t afraid to take a block or lay the body down.

It may be tough going into next season as the team graduates seven forwards and one defenseman after this season. However, the focus is on finishing the regular season and doing whatever it takes to bring a conference title home.

Carlson said earlier this season, “The goal is a championship win, and we’re not gonna settle for less.”

That may just be the mantra for both squads. The MAC playoffs will soon be here, beginning at the end of the month on Feb. 28.

Opponents are yet to be determined, but for now, the Navy and Gold will work hard in practice as they prepare to hopefully bring some silverware home.

Even before the playoffs begin though, both teams will be in action on Friday, Feb. 20. The men’s team will be at the Toyota Sportsplex for a 4:50 p.m. matchup against Misericordia University, serving as the away side.

That game will be broadcast on Wilkes’ radio station, 90.7 WCLH. The women’s team has a 7 p.m. puck drop against Hood College on the road.