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Hockey

Head Coach: Mark VanVliet (1st year)

Assistant Coach: Duane Ambrose (1st year)

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Aquinas Hockey Announces Agreement with Griff’s Ice House

Aquinas College is pleased to announce that Griff’s Ice House will be the home facility for the inaugural 2012 - 2013 season of Saints Hockey. Located at 30 Coldbrook NE, and perhaps better known as Belknap Park, Griff’s Ice House is also the training facility of Detroit Red Wings affiliate Grand Rapids Griffins and additionally provides home ice for several area high school programs.

“After careful evaluation of a number of local facilities the decision to partner with Griff’s Ice House was relatively easy” said Aquinas Hockey Head Coach Mark VanVliet, “the important attribute of Griff’s is its close – 3.5 mile - proximity to the Aquinas Campus. Student, staff, and faculty support is one of the key building blocks to a successful program. The short driving distance to Griff’s during the winter months will provide our fans easy and safe access to all home games”.

With a seating capacity of 800 Griff’s Ice House will also provide plenty of space for the ‘Saints Hockey Nation’ to support their new hockey program. Coach VanVliet added “Based on the incredible fan support at our exhibition game last December, we expect our fans will rock the house at Griff’s next season.”

After participating in a season opening tournament hosted by Calvin College on October 5 and 6, expectation is already building for the historic home opener on Friday, October 12 at 8 p.m. versus Wayne State University.

Coaches

	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.