Logan Steinle—Staff Writer 

The Defender hockey team is comprised mostly of underclassmen, but their gameplay is anything but. The team’s record improved to 17-3 with its 9-1 win over the University of Nebraska Omaha on Jan. 21. The 2023 season has been one of the greatest years in program history, with Saturday’s win marking a 14 game win streak. 

Griffin Lennes, sophomore center and leading scorer for the Defenders, attested to the dominance the team has portrayed throughout the season, and the pressure such a streak can bring.  

“I don’t think the guys really think about it too much, so that helps a lot, but it definitely is in the back of your mind, for sure,” Lennes said. “We haven’t had too many close calls, thankfully. It has been fun to say the least.”  

Dordt has won most games this season by four goals or more. The only losses came in the first six games against two successful teams, Kansas University and Missouri State University. 

To qualify for the Mid-American Collegiate Hockey Association (MACHA) national tournament, Dordt must qualify in the top 16 teams nationally or win the Silver Central Division. As of the Jan. 14, rankings Dordt ranks 19th nationally and has not quite clinched the division.  

Continuing the winning streak is vital to Dordt hockey’s position in the post-season tournament.  

“We definitely need [the streak] in order to qualify for nationals, and we kind of know that in the back of our heads right now,” said sophomore center Isaac Baart. “We’re looking to finish off the last three games of the year strong and then into the MACHA tournament to ensure we get a spot over spring break.” 

However, Dordt’s success on ice is too new to deem the Defenders a dynasty or a “team to beat.”  

“I don’t know that the pressure’s quite there,” said head coach Tyler Morgan. “Last year, we had success, but I think maybe the pressure will start to hit next season when we’ve done it two years in a row, then we have to continue doing it. Right now, it’s still sort of fresh that we’re winning so many games, so I haven’t felt that yet.” 

The team is intentional about fostering a sense of close-knit community. 

“We’re a big family and we just all fight for each other on and off the ice, so it’s great to see that. The chemistry between everyone, everyone’s just having fun. Makes it a lot easier when that’s happening,” Lennes said. 

Baart also testified to the team’s positive mindset. “I think that for a little bit we got ahead of ourselves, but we got a winning mentality, and we’re used to it,” he said. “I think that’s a good thing. We know what it takes to beat some of these good teams, and we’re planning on just keeping it going.”  

Morgan is satisfied with how well the team has bought into the program and the winning mentality they have developed. 

“The guys have done a great job of buying in and doing things the right way. Staying out of trouble on campus, getting good grades, passing classes, all that stuff. I really feel like I’ve given the framework for them of ‘if we’re gonna be successful this is how we’re gonna do it,’ and I feel like they’re doing it,” he said. “I’m super proud of them and the fact that we’re not good because of me, but we’re good because we have good people in our program and good support around us on campus.” Morgan said. 

Lennes agrees that Morgan has been a strong leader and coach for the team. 

“I think that Coach is just steering the ship right now, he’s putting it in the right way, so I can’t ask for more than that. He’s just guiding us and telling us what to do.” 

The Defenders return to Omaha, Jan. 26 and 27 to close out the season in their final two games against Creighton University.