The 2024-2025 season will go down in history for the Curry College Men’s Hockey team.
In its 50th season, the program reached new heights while celebrating half a century of excellence.
After breaking multiple records throughout the regular season, the #1 nationally-ranked Colonels achieved what was once a pipe dream—securing a spot in the NCAA Division III Frozen Four for the first time in program history.
With 17 straight wins and a roster showing talent, resilience, and determination, this season will forever be remembered as a defining moment for the program's legacy.
Fresh off a Conference of New England (CNE) Championship—their first title since 2011—Curry was announced as the top national seed during the NCAA DIII men’s hockey selection show. Curry is the first team, in any sport, to achieve this honor.
When asked about his reaction to seeing Curry emerge as the top seed for the tournament, senior Eelis Laaksonen had just one word.
“Appreciation. Appreciation for all the guys in the locker room, the coaching staff, and everyone else who supports us. We’re the #1 team in the country; we’ve earned our spot there."
Throughout the team's remarkable journey, the Curry College community has been a constant source of support. From the passionate students who filled the stands with Purple Pride, to dedicated faculty and staff who cheered on their players, to alumni watching from near and far, the team has felt the unwavering backing of the entire College.
"I couldn't be more excited for these players and this coaching staff. They have worked so hard over the past three years to get to this point. They've conducted themselves both on and off the ice with such class. The passion and pride that they show towards one another is the number one reason for their success," said Athletic Director Vinnie Eruzione.
"This group deserves to be playing in these games."
"It's been great to see how the College and community have rallied behind us all year," said Head Coach Pete Roundy. "Winning a championship in front of our home crowd was really special, and getting to share this journey with everyone has made it so rewarding for our players and coaches."
"This run has really galvanized our alumni base and brought so many people together."
One of the most inspiring sources of support this season has been from Brayden Gero, who joined the team in 2022 through Team IMPACT, a national non-profit organization that matches children facing serious illness and disability with college athletic teams across the country.
As Coach Roundy's right-hand man, Brayden is actively involved in practices, games, and team bonding activities. The Frozen Four road trip was no exception, as Brayden proudly came along for the ride to Utica with his family.
"Brayden has been with us for three years now, and it’s been an awesome experience for everyone involved. He brings so much passion and energy every day and is so much fun to be around," said Roundy.
"It gives you perspective and helps you realize what’s important, and to us, that’s about being inclusive and treating people the right way."
NATIONAL LEGENDS
The program received several national accolades from the American Hockey Coaches Association, headlined by Shane Soderwall, who earned the 2025 Sid Watson Award, an honor given to the best DIII men's player in NCAA hockey. Soderwall and Eelis Laaksonen were also named the 2024-25 CCM Hockey/AHCA Division II-III Men's All-American Hockey Teams, while Coach Roundy earned AHCA Coach of the Year.
BRICK (SODER)WALL
Proven by his sharp skills in net, wins record, save percentage, and shut-out history, sophomore goaltender Shane Soderwall is one of the most talented hockey players in the country. His countless accolades this season, including the Conference of New England Goalie and Player of the Year, the Joe Concannon Award recipient, and more, complimented his laser focus in net, and on the night before the Final Four contest, he was award with the most prestigious honor in DIII Hockey.
Soderwall is the first player from Curry to receive the Sid Watson Award. After making himself known with an NCAA record-tying 98 saves in an NCAA quarterfinals game last season, Soderwall has taken his play to a new level in his sophomore year. He broke his program record for shutouts in a season with eight this season, and now holds the program record for shutouts in a career with 13, doing so in just two years. He also broke the program record for wins in a season, currently sitting at a 24-3-0 record. His 1.45 GAA average is 3rd in the country, with the two players in front of him playing 600 fewer minutes than him. His .945 save percentage is also 3rd in the country, with the two ahead of him making half as many saves.
And the cherry on top?
Soderwall sports a perfect 4.0 GPA as a Business Administration Major.
BEST COACH AROUND(Y)
And where would the historic team be without a historic leader?
Coach Roundy accepted the NCAA DIII Coach of the Year Award at Thursday night's banquet, a reflection of the tireless work, passion, and pride that he's funneled into the program.
This is the third straight NCAA Tournament appearance under coach Roundy, who took over the program in 2021. Roundy was also named Coach of the Year by the conference for the second straight season, and posted a program-best 25-3 record this year heading into conference playoffs.
My inspiration is the players. They have done everything we have asked and more. They bring a great work ethic and attitude to the rink every day. They care about winning and doing it the right way but more importantly they care about each other. This is a special program because of the people, and I am grateful to be a part of it."