Tommies Are Off to Best Start as D-I Program
by Tyler Kuehl/CHN Reporter
In their third season as a Division I program, St. Thomas is proving that patience and buy-in from its players will lead to success.
“We’re in year three, and we’re still trying to find our way,” St. Thomas coach Rico Blasi said. “I love our team, I love the way we work, I love the everyday interaction we have as well.”
Following a weekend split against Ferris State in Big Rapids last weekend, the Tommies are 8-7-1 on the season. They sit atop the CCHA standings with 18 points, two ahead of Michigan Tech.
St. Thomas started the season with a bang, beating St. Cloud State in overtime on Oct. 7. While they lost their next three games, once to the Huskies and two to Minnesota, the Tommies turned things around with wins in six of eight games.
“We were expecting to be where we are,” sophomore goaltender Aaron Trotter said. “I think everyone knew we had the capability of it. Staying humble and sticking with our craft, that’s what we like to do.”
It has been quite the trek for St. Thomas, the former D-III program that made the jump to top-tier college hockey in 2021. It did not have a good first impression, winning just three of its 36 games.
However, Blasi looks back on that first year fondly, despite the lack of success on the ice. The team has a motto, “Faith and Brother” that has been a mainstay since the former Miami RedHawks bench boss moved to St. Paul. He believes that team’s attitude was the base for what was to come.
“I love that team, they worked their tails off,” Blasi said. “It was important for us to build a culture, first and foremost. You want guys to believe in St. Thomas, and the good things we offer.”
Along with solid recruiting from Blasi and his staff, and a gradual increase in scholarships, the Tommies have seen linear growth, and are on pace to eclipse their win total from 2022-23, where the team went 11-23-2.
The program began D-I play with the ability to offer just 2.5 scholarships, with the plans of being able to hand out 18 next season.
St. Thomas’ recruiting tactics have also garnered attention. This year’s lineup features 19 of the 28 players coming from the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Similar to what the University of Miami football…
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