WashU Hockey celebrating a goal in a win. (Courtesy of Mary Tran)

The 2024 WashU club Ice Hockey season is about chasing something bigger than wins and losses. With a team full of new energy, veteran leadership, and a fresh coaching staff, this year’s Bears are determined to make their mark for the program’s future. After six games, the team sits at 3-3, but the record only tells part of the story. Their sights are set on something far more significant: Division III Nationals.

This season represents the beginning of a new chapter for WashU, thanks in part to the arrival of head coach Chris Nikonovich’s new assistants, Jeff Dortch and Corey Bryant. After falling just short of qualifying for Nationals last season, WashU knew they needed something different. Nikonovich knew the team had the talent, but it was time to dial up the intensity. Enter Dortch and Bryant, who have made an immediate impact.

“They’ve really challenged us to compete harder and focus on the little things,” senior forward Sammy Greco said. 

That approach has already changed the atmosphere around the team. But change—even good change—comes with growing pains. WashU’s early stretch of games has been challenging, beginning with a split series against the University of Mississippi: a 7-2 loss followed by a 5-4 win that showcased the Bears’ ability to adapt and fight back. It was a gritty victory that proved WashU could shake off early missteps.

The next series against Dordt University, last year’s No. 17 team, was another test, with WashU dropping both games (4-3 and 4-1). But despite the losses, Coach Nikonovich saw signs of progress. 

“The drop against Dordt was tough to swallow. They’re a great team, but I don’t think the scores reflected how we played,” he said. “Both first periods hurt us. If you take those away, the games would’ve looked different. Still, it was a great weekend of hockey, and we’ve built on that.”

Though the team won only one of their first four games, the emergence of first-years became a prominent bright spot. These newcomers haven’t just filled spots — they’ve taken charge on the ice, bringing an energy that’s pushing the entire team forward. Sophomore defenseman Michael Greco emphasized the first-years’ impact on the team. 

“Our first-years have been incredible,” he said. “They’re playing like they’ve been here before — confident with the puck, strong in the corners, and they’re already contributing in big ways.”

That energy was fully displayed in WashU’s sweep of Olivet Nazarene University, where the Bears took control, commanding 8-2 and 5-3 wins. The team’s offense clicked, and their power play looked sharp due to the discipline and structure the new coaching staff has instilled. 

“We saw some really good puck movement and our guys taking to the systems we’ve been working hard on,” Nikonovich said. “That sweep gave us a lot of confidence moving forward.”

Confidence is exactly what this team needs as they look ahead to bigger challenges. For veterans, like senior forward Noah Raimi, this season is about one thing: Nationals. It’s been the goal for years, but WashU has yet to secure a spot in the prestigious tournament. Qualifying for Nationals isn’t easy — the Top 16 seeded teams receive automatic bids based on their regular-season ranking, known as the “auto-bid” teams. There’s still hope through the single-elimination regional playoffs for teams outside the Top 16, which WashU has often been. Strong regional performances can boost a team’s national ranking, helping to secure a coveted spot. Despite several strong seasons, WashU has always fallen just short of earning either an auto-bid or a regional playoff win to advance.

But this year feels different — more depth, accountability, and a clearer sense of direction. Raimi and the other upperclassmen are determined to push the team further than ever before, with Nationals as the ultimate destination. 

“This is it for a lot of us,” Raimi said. “We’ve been close before, but this season feels different. We know what it takes now. This team is deeper, more unified, and more determined than ever.”

As the season progresses, WashU knows every game is a step toward their ultimate goal. The team is learning to trust each other, to trust the systems in place, and to keep building momentum. With the leadership of upperclassmen, the energy of the first-years, and the guidance of Nikonovich and his staff, the Bears are positioning themselves for a deep run. 

“Nationals is always the number-one goal,” Nikonovich said, “But we are looking towards each game as a new day and a way to build from the past.”

What’s clear is that the belief in this team hasn’t wavered. WashU’s veterans are leading by example, pushing the younger players, and holding each other accountable in every practice and every game. It’s a team effort that runs deep. 

The next step is a critical division matchup against Northern Illinois University, a test that will give WashU another chance to show how far they’ve come. The season is still young, and there’s plenty of hockey left to play. But the Bears aren’t looking too far ahead, taking it one step at a time, with every game providing an opportunity to get better and build momentum.

For the seniors, this season marks the final chapter of their college careers. Nationals is more than a goal — it’s a destination they’ve come agonizingly close to reaching for years. For the first-years, it’s the beginning of what promises to be an exciting journey. And for everyone in the locker room, it’s clear that this season is about more than just hockey. It’s about resilience, trust, and the pursuit of something greater.