Owen Grand – Contributor

The Bishop’s Men’s Club Hockey closed out a memorable season this past Saturday with their annual banquet, held at the Gait. The evening brought together players, coaches, supporters and alumni for a night to reflect on both the success of the season and the strong culture that defined the team throughout the year.

Image courtesy of Joseph Aubert

Following a first-place finish in the AAU regular season, they had plenty to celebrate, but the focus of the night extended beyond just results. Coaches took time to recognize the commitment shown by players throughout the season, highlighting the demands of early morning practices, frequent travel and long hours spent balancing hockey with academics. Their speeches emphasized the discipline and dedication required to sustain that level of effort, and the group’s ability to do so consistently.

An alumni speaker, Ron Perowne, also addressed the team, offering a unique perspective shaped by his experience as a former Bishop’s men’s hockey player, football player and football coach. His speech blended personal stories with a clear sense of pride in the current group, reinforcing the connection between past and present generations of Gaiters athletes.

The banquet also featured a series of awards recognizing individual contributions. Jo Aubert was named team MVP, capping off a standout career with the program. Beyond his performance on the ice, Aubert’s impact on the program has been defined by the countless hours he has invested in helping build and improve the team, demonstrating a level of commitment that has elevated the program. Additional awards included Hardest Worker (Tristan Côté), Most Improved Player (Sam Marchand), Defensive Player of the Year (Nathan Gagnon) and Rookie of the Year (Leandre Jodoin). The team also took time to recognize its graduating seniors: captain Jo Aubert, goaltender Jack Macfarland, defenceman Jack McGowan, and forward Marc Lagacé. Their departures mark the end of an important chapter, but also highlight the strong foundation they have set for the future.

While the banquet included formal recognition, the overall atmosphere remained light and social, with players and coaches sharing stories, enjoying food and drinks and reflecting on the season together. That sense of unity has been central to their success. Throughout the season, the team demonstrated strong chemistry on the ice and a strong commitment to community involvement. They’ve shown what it truly means to be a Bishop’s student-athlete.

As the team looks ahead, the focus now shifts to building on this momentum. With a successful regular season behind them and a strong culture in place, the team is well-positioned to carry their progress forward as they set their sights on a national championship next year.