Thunder Athletics Winter Semester Recap

Badminton

The Thunder badminton team carried strong momentum into the ACAC Championships, hosted by The King's University, following an impressive showing at the third ACAC Tournament of the season. With confidence and energy on their side, the team looked to build on that success against some of the top competition in the conference.

In singles play, Mattias Andersson delivered a standout performance for the Thunder, battling through a competitive draw to secure a third place finish and a bronze medal, earning him an ACAC All-Conference. On the women's side, Emma Tran also put together a strong tournament ultimately finishing just short of the podium in fourth place, narrowly missing out on a medal, but still being recognized for an ACAC All-Conference. 

In doubles competition, the pairing of Jonathan Su and Raphael Motel proved to be one of the top teams in the tournament. The duo showcased excellent chemistry, as they advanced to the Championship final. In a hard fought match against a strong NAIT pair, they pushed the contest to three games but ultimately came up just short, earning a silver medal. Though Raphael showcased his talent, he was then recognized as an ACAC All-Conference. 

Building on their success at the conference level, Jonathan Su and Raphael Motel went on to represent CUE on the national stage at the CCAA Nationals in Saint John, New Brunswick. Their efforts culminated in an impressive bronze medal performance, as they defeated Fanshawe in the medal match in straight sets, 21-12 and 21-7.

Overall, it was a highly successful stretch for Thunder badminton, highlighted by strong individual performances, a podium finish at the ACAC and CCAA levels. The team's results reflect their hard work, and ability to compete at an elite level, that will only improve into next season.

Curling

The Thunder men's and women's curling teams wrapped up their seasons on the national stage, traveling to Regina to compete at the CCAA Curling Nationals. Both teams entered the competition looking to showcase their development over the course of the season, competing against the top programs in the country, and contending for a spot on the podium.

The women's team put together a strong and consistent performance throughout the round robin portion of the tournament, finishing with a 4-3 record. Their efforts earned them a fourth-place finish overall at the national level, while also finishing in second place among ACAC competitors at the event. The team demonstrated composure, strong shot-making, and the ability to stay competitive in tightly contested matches against some of the best teams in the country. Rachel Jost had an outstanding season for the women's team, being recognized as an ACAC All-Conference. The team as a whole brought home an ACAC Championship, their third in the history of the program.

On the men's side, the team faced a challenging field and tough matchups throughout the round robin, finishing with an overall record of 1-7 at the championship. Despite the results, the team continued to compete hard in every game, gaining valuable experience on the national stage. When compared within the conference, the men's team finished third among ACAC representatives, reflecting their competitiveness within their conference throughout the season.

The mixed team, while not qualifying for nationals, also had a solid showing during their season. They ultimately finished fourth overall in the ACAC mixed team standings, narrowly missing out on an opportunity to compete at the national level. Although the team's overall results fell short of expectations, Hannah Miller emerged as a standout performer, earning the prestigious ACAC Charles Morter Memorial Award. Her dedication was recognized with this honour, highlighting her significant impact and contributions to the team throughout the season. 

Overall, the season was a valuable experience for Thunder Curling, with all teams demonstrating growth, and competing at both the conference and national levels provided important exposure and experience that will serve as a strong foundation for the next season to come. 

Men's Volleyball

The Thunder men's volleyball team concluded their ACAC season with a 2–17 record. While the results were not what the team had hoped for, the season was still marked by growth, resilience, and strong team development. Throughout the year, the players worked hard together, building chemistry and laying the foundation for future success.

Despite the team's overall record, several standout athletes achieved remarkable individual milestones, setting records for Concordia Thunder volleyball. Liam Frost (2019-20, 2025-26) finished his career with 481 assists, ranking fourth all-time in Concordia career records. Alexi Dufour (2023-26) moved into second overall for service aces, recording 57. Brodie Wight also had an exceptional season and career, finishing with a career average of 2.54 kills per set, placing him third in Concordia history, and setting the single-season record with an outstanding 3.23 kills per set, the highest in program history.

While the season's standings may not reflect the full effort of the team, the individual accomplishments and growth throughout the year highlight the talent and dedication of the Thunder men's volleyball program, setting the stage for future success.

Women's Volleyball

From the first serve to the final point, the Thunder women's volleyball team consistently battled hard, showcasing their commitment to improvement and their ability to rise to every challenge. Their efforts culminated in a solid 8-11 record, reflecting a six win improvement from the previous season. With strong team chemistry and momentum on their side, the Thunder enter the offseason with confidence they can build on this season's successes in the year ahead.

Team captain Emma Thompson capped off an outstanding season by earning ACAC All-Conference honours, recognizing her exceptional contributions on the court. Over the course of the season, she tallied an impressive 199 kills, 23 service aces, and 118 digs, demonstrating her all around skill and consistency. In addition to her standout season, Thompson set new records for Thunder Athletics, bringing her career kills total to 601, surpassing the previous record of 588. She also broke the career service aces record, registering 85, just one more than the previous mark of 84, further cementing her legacy as one of the program's all time greats.

While they fell short of the postseason, the season represented a significant step forward, showing marked improvement over the previous year and highlighting the team's growth, resilience, and potential moving into next season.

Men's Basketball

The Thunder men's basketball team wrapped up their season with an 8-12 record, finishing fourth overall in the ACAC North Division standings. Despite facing ups and downs throughout the regular season, the team was resilient, ultimately putting themselves in a playoff position by the end of the year.

One of the most dramatic moments of their season came following an earlier matchup between Concordia and Medicine Hat College that ended in a scoring dispute. The result was officially protested, leading to a replay game with significant playoff implications. With the final postseason spot in the ACAC North still up for grabs, the Thunder made the long trip south for a winner-take-all rematch against the Rattlers.

In a game that lived up to the intensity of the situation, neither team was able to pull away, forcing overtime and then a second. In double-overtime, Concordia found another gear, ultimately securing a thrilling 96-92 victory to clinch their place in the ACAC Championships.

The Thunder then traveled to Vermilion, Alberta, where the Lakeland Rustlers hosted the ACAC Men's Basketball Championships. Concordia opened the tournament against a strong SAIT Trojans squad but fell 113-73 in their first matchup. The Thunder bounced back in their second game with an impressive 111-86 victory over Briercrest, showcasing their offensive firepower and ability to respond under pressure. In the fifth-place game, CUE faced their Edmonton rivals, the NAIT Ooks, in a hard fought and physical game. Both teams battled throughout, but NAIT ultimately came away with a 78-70 win. With that result, the Thunder concluded the tournament with a sixth place finish overall.

Despite the final standings, the season was highlighted by strong individual and team performances. Notably, Malik Edwards was recognized for his outstanding season debut, earning ACAC Rookie of the Year. Keella Gatewech also stood out this season, receiving an ACAC All-Conference selection while also setting records for the Thunder by tying teammate Kyler Dutka for 1st overall for single season blocks at a whopping 33. 

Women's Basketball

The Thunder women's basketball team put together an outstanding season, defined by consistency, chemistry, and a true team first approach. Competing as a cohesive unit from start to finish, the Thunder spent much of the season at the top of the ACAC standings. Late season matchups against their Edmonton rivals proved challenging, ultimately placing the team in third overall with an impressive 16-4 record.

Earning a well deserved spot at the ACAC Championships, the Thunder traveled to Briercrest, Saskatchewan, ready to compete for a podium finish. They opened the tournament with a strong and composed performance, defeating the host Briercrest Clippers 74-66. Building on that momentum, Concordia advanced to face one of their top conference rivals, The King's University Eagles. In a highly competitive and tightly contested matchup, the Thunder battled until the final moments but ultimately fell 70-63. Despite the semifinal loss, the team quickly regrouped for the bronze medal game. Facing the SAIT Trojans, the women's team delivered a complete performance on both ends of the court, controlling the pace of the game and executing when it mattered most. Their efforts paid off with a decisive victory, securing the ACAC bronze medal, marking the program's first podium finish in 16 years.

Individually, Chloe Sutherland capped off a remarkable season with an exceptional championship performance. Chloe had a historic season, setting multiple records for both Concordia and the ACAC. She led the league with an outstanding 105 steals, the most in Thunder women's basketball history, showcasing her defensive dominance and court awareness. Offensively, Sutherland averaged 21.9 points per game, ranking second all-time for Concordia, and finished the season with a total of 417 points for her career, placing her third in program history. Sutherland's combination of scoring, playmaking, and defensive excellence solidified her as one of the greatest players in Thunder and ACAC history. She was named a Tournament All-Star and earned two of the conference's highest honours, being recognized as both the ACAC Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year. She capped off the year by receiving a CCAA All-Canadian selection, one of two Thunder athletes this year to receive the honour. Her leadership and impact on both ends of the floor were instrumental in the Thunder's success throughout the season.

Overall, the Thunder women's basketball team demonstrated excellence, and growth, achieving a historic milestone while setting a strong foundation for continued success in the seasons ahead.

Indoor Track 

The Indoor Track team capped off their season at the ACAC Championships, hosted at the Kinsmen Sport Centre. Competing against some of the top talent in the conference, Thunder athletes delivered strong performances across a wide range of events, consistently earning podium finishes throughout the weekend. As a team, CUE put together an outstanding showing, finishing third overall in the conference standings. The women's team matched that success with a third place finish of their own, while the men's team elevated their performance to claim an impressive second place result.

Individually, several Thunder athletes stood out with exceptional performances. Owen Stewart delivered a remarkable meet, earning gold in the men's 1000m and adding a silver medal in the 600m. His efforts not only contributed significantly to the team's success but also earned him ACAC All-Conference. Markus Boland also had a strong showing on the men's side, capturing bronze medals in both the 1000m and 600m events, and was similarly recognized with an ACAC All-Conference selection for his performances.

On the women's side, Ava Rudyk played a key role in the team's success, particularly in the relay events. Her consistent speed, teamwork, and strong performances throughout the season were crucial in helping the Thunder excel in relay competitions, earning her recognition as an ACAC All-Conference athlete. Meanwhile, Ashlee Walker continued to set the standard with a dominant showing across multiple events. She captured gold medals in the 1000m, 1500m, and 600m, showcasing both her versatility and endurance. In addition to her individual success, Walker played a key role in the relay events, helping the Thunder secure silver medals in both the 4x200m and 4x400m relays. Her exceptional performances throughout the championships and the season were further recognized as she earned both an ACAC All-Conference and was named ACAC Runner of the Year.

Overall, it was a memorable and successful season for Thunder indoor track. From standout individual achievements to strong team results, the championships highlighted the depth, talent, and dedication of the Thunders student-athletes. On top of the athlete standouts, Indoor Track Coach Matt Norminton won ACAC Coach of the Year. These performances are a testament to the hard work put in throughout the season and reflect the continued growth and competitiveness of the Thunder track program.

Hockey

The Thunder men's hockey team clinched their spot in the playoffs after ultimately beating the Portage Voyageurs in their final weekend of the season. The team wrapped up their year with a 9-15 record. Their determination carried them through the regular season and into a playoff matchup against their biggest rivals, the NAIT Ooks, in a best-of-three series.

Game one lived up to the intensity of the rivalry, with both teams trading scoring chances in a tightly contested matchup. The game was eventually pushed into overtime, where the Thunder narrowly fell 3-2. In game two, Concordia once again showed their fight and resilience, in the home game, mounting a late push to close the gap. However, the Ooks capitalized in the third period with two key goals, including one into an empty net, to secure a 5-3 victory and bring the Thunder's season to a close.

While the playoff result wasn't what the team had hoped for, the season as a whole highlighted the group's perseverance, work ethic, and continued development. Isaac Leik managed to hit the 50 career goals mark by the end of the season, contributing massively to the team's success. Goaltender Griffin Bowerman completed a standout career for the Thunder men's hockey program, leaving a lasting mark in multiple statistical categories. Over his tenure, he recorded a career Goals Against Average (GAA) of 3.57, ranking second all-time for Concordia, along with a .903 save percentage, placing him third overall. Bowerman also notched 27 career wins, good for third in program history, and logged 3,229 minutes in net, ranking fourth overall.

In terms of end of season achievements, Dylan Handel was named to the ACAC All-Conference team for the second year in a row while also holding the title for ACAC scoring leader in back-to-back campaigns, leading the league this year with 38 points.

Their ability to compete with top teams and push games to the limit provides a strong foundation and momentum as they look ahead to building for next season.

Men's Futsal

Our Thunder men's futsal team earned their place at the ACAC Championship tournament in Medicine Hat after an impressive regular season that saw them finish first in the Northwest division standings. Entering the tournament in the third seed, the team carried strong momentum and high expectations into the competition.

The Thunder opened the tournament with a challenging matchup against the Lethbridge Kodiaks. The game began in dominant fashion, with the Thunder building a commanding 4-0 lead early on. However, momentum shifted in the second half, and despite their strong start, they were unable to hold off the Kodiaks' push, ultimately falling 6-4 in a hard-fought contest. Looking to bounce back, the Thunder faced the Lakeland Rustlers in their next game. In another competitive matchup, the team battled until the final whistle but came up short, bringing their season to a close with a tough loss. Notable standouts on the season included Carlos Echeverria, who received an ACAC All-Conference for his efforts this year.

While the result was not what the team had hoped for, their journey to the championship tournament and first-place finish in the division highlights a successful and competitive season, for the first ever Thunder futsal team. 

Women's Futsal

Our women's futsal team capped off an incredible season in dominant fashion, capturing the ACAC Championship title, which was held in Medicine Hat. The Thunder battled through a competitive tournament, playing a total of three games en route to the gold medal and showcasing their resilience, and high-level play throughout the weekend. In the championship final, they faced off against their longtime rivals, the NAIT Ooks, in a tightly contested and hard-fought match. In true championship fashion, the game was decided by the smallest of margins, with the Thunder securing a 1-0 victory scored by Maddison Kempster to claim the title and bring home the ACAC banner. Their defensive composure and ability to execute under pressure proved to be the difference maker when it mattered most.

Adding to the team's success, Thunder standout Taytum Bush delivered an exceptional performance across the tournament and was rightfully named Most Valuable Player of the Tournament. Her leadership, skill, and outstanding playing abilities over the weekend played a crucial role in the team's championship run. Vanessa Pietramala and Taytum were both named ACAC futsal Tournament All-Stars and ACAC All-Conference athletes for their play both during the year and the championship tournament. This victory marks a significant achievement for the beginning of the Thunder's futsal program and is a testament to the team's hard work, preparation, and commitment throughout the season.