Mark VanVliet begins his first year as head coach for the inaugural Aquinas College Men’s Ice Hockey Team. Coach VanVliet has been involved with the West Michigan Hockey Community for over 35 years as a player, official, and coach. Most recently VanVliet served as an Assistant Coach at Davenport University. In just four seasons he helped guide the Panthers’ Division 3 Program from its’ inception to two straight appearances at the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) National Finals in 20010 and 2011. Prior to Davenport University, VanVliet served as head coach at Grand Rapids South Christian, Grand Rapids Union, and Grand Rapids Christian High Schools as well as coaching in the Kentwood Hockey and Skating Association (KHSA). A goaltender by trade, Coach VanVliet played for Grand Rapids Christian where he garnered All League Honors in both the 1974-75 and 1975-76 seasons. After high school he attended Calvin College where he majored in Physical Education and served as the Knights starting goaltender for three straight seasons from 1977-1980. VanVliet then capped his career by playing Senior “A” hockey in Lansing, Mich. from 1980-81. Mark is employed at Gilson Graphics where he serves as an account executive. He and his wife Faith currently live in the Grand Rapids area and have four children: Jillian, Jenna, Marygrace, and Theodore (Teddy).   

Duane Ambrose has been the faculty advisor to the hockey club for the past eight years and initiated the discussions that lead to Aquinas making the jump to ACHA club status for the 2012 season.  A lifelong hockey player Duane learned the game in Twin Port city of Superior, Wisconsin.  Duane continued to be active as player and a coach after high school where he helped start a club program at the University of Wisconsin-Superior.  In 2005 Duane completed the USA Hockey coaching certification program and holds a Level-Five Masters card.  Duane has coached every level from mini-mites to high school and enjoys combining his physical education background and hockey knowledge to create a true learning environment on the ice.

Chris Laska, a 2001 Aquinas grad majored in Business Administration and played baseball from 1998-2001 for the Saints. Laska was named All Conference and All Region in 1999 and 2001 and All American in 2001. He still holds several baseball records. Chris also played on the intramural hockey team during his years at Aquinas. Laska is originally from Woodbury, Minnesota where is hockey career started. Laska graduated from St. Thomas Academy and was a four year starter for their highly touted hockey program. He currently resides in Byron Center with his wonderful wife Crystal and their three children Cierra, Luke and Evie.