L-R: Alexandra Black, Mary Hirsch and Jacob Kendall (RDP Athletics)

By RDP Athletics

STELLAR SEASONS

ACAC recognizes three RDP Kings & Queens hockey players

Mar 24, 2022 | 12:13 PM

Three student-athletes on the Red Deer Polytechnic Kings and Queens Hockey teams have been celebrated by the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC).

Alexandra Black of the Red Deer Polytechnic Queens has been named the 2021/2022 ACAC Women’s Hockey Top Scholastic Achiever and a member of the Second All-Conference team. Teammate Mary Hirsch has been selected to the ACAC Women’s Hockey First All-Conference team. Kings Hockey’s Jacob Kendall has been recognized as the Top League Scorer, ACAC Men’s Hockey Rookie of the Year and a First All-Conference team selection.

Black, who is from St. Albert, achieved a 4.0 GPA in the Bachelor of Education Secondary program at the Polytechnic during the Fall 2021 Term.

“Alex works really hard and takes pride in what she does. Her efforts have resulted in the Top Scholastic Achiever and a vote on the All-Conference team as our rookie defenceman,” said Kelly Coulter, Red Deer Polytechnic Queens Hockey Head Coach.

Over 14 games, Black recorded a goal, which was a game winner, and an assist while taking care of her defensive responsibilities.

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“Every day she tries to get better. Alex comes out to morning ice times and asks what she can work on,” said Coulter. “I couldn’t ask for a better role model for future Queens hockey players and what it takes to be a successful student-athlete.”

Calgary’s Hirsch, who is an alternate captain, accumulated 14 points, which ranked second in the league. The Bachelor of Science Nursing student contributed to all facets of the game.

“Mary has been a standout since she’s gotten here. Her First All-Conference team selection is well deserved. She’s works extremely hard and is a good 200 foot player,” said Coulter. “She is one of the most competitive players in the league. She’s also a fantastic student and a good role model for all future ACAC female hockey players. It’s nice to see hard work get recognized. I’m very proud of her.”

Black and Hirsch were key contributors to the Queens’ first place record (11-2-2) and league leading penalty kill operating at 94.6 per cent efficiency. The Red Deer Polytechnic Queens Hockey team was also the best defensive squad in the ACAC, allowing only 0.91 goals against per game.

Currently, the RDP Queens are playing the Olds College Broncos in the best-of-five ACAC Championship.

Kendall had an incredible season for the third place RDP Kings (9-4-2-1). The six-foot-two forward from Camrose led the Kings and ACAC Men’s Hockey with 21 points in 16 games. Kendall scored nine goals, which included two on the power play. He played an integral role in the Kings leading the ACAC with 18 power play markers.

The Bachelor of Education Elementary student added 12 assists and displayed a willingness to do whatever the team needed.

“Jacob is very driven, and his competitiveness is second to none,” said Trevor Keeper, Red Deer Polytechnic Kings Hockey Head Coach. “Our defence was decimated by injury and he unselfishly stepped up to play a position he never played before while maintaining his league leading scoring pace.”

Along with his first-rate talent, Kendall has a superb hockey IQ and brings a physical presence, which makes it difficult for opponents to knock him off the puck. The former member of the Sherwood Park Crusaders is an extremely competitive leader who plays like a seasoned veteran.

“Jacob is already one of the ACAC’s elite men’s hockey players with the potential of playing three or four more years in his career, and we are very excited to watch it unfold,” added Keeper.

As injuries mounted in the playoffs, the RDP Kings gave a heart-and-soul effort, but didn’t advance past the quarter-finals. With Kendall and many other student-athletes returning to the Kings, there is plenty of optimism for the 2022/2023 season.