The Dordt Blades are experiencing another difficult season thanks in part to a harsh schedule and lack of experience on the ice. With only two games to go this weekend against the University of South Dakota, the Blades find themselves with a 3-16 record.

“The MACHA [Mid-America College Hockey Association] is comprised of teams whose players have a lot of experience. And that is not a luxury we have,” said Dordt College Blades coach Bill Elgersma. “Therefore, everything is an education and transfer takes time. Patience continues to be a necessary component of our success as I look forward.”

With only seven home games all year, including the home finale this Friday against USD at 7:30p.m., the Blades have struggled to find consistency on the ice. However, Elgersma has seen some positives from his squad over the course of the season.

“The win at home against Colorado was probably the most consistent demonstration of our potential all year. We played aggressive hockey for 60 minutes with a positive result,” he said.

Though the last two seasons have been campaigns the Blades may not want to remember, the future looks bright for next year’s squad as put on display by the under classmen, highlighted by their play against Iowa State this season.

“We had a rookie line playing defense on a regular rotation and they held their own. That is impressive,” Elgersma said.

The Blades will say good-bye to only two seniors on the squad: Brandon Fast and Eric Walter and will close the door on this season on Saturday. Coach Elgersma believes that next year’s squad will be much improved thanks to the experience his young squad is attaining this year.

“Of our recent seasons, we have been punished most for our mistakes this season and as a result have become a smarter and better hockey team—seasoned,” he said. “I expect this team to be in a much better position next year because of this experience.”

Jordan Harmelink, Staff Writer