Aurora’s Hassan Akl elevates hockey recreation to a different stage

Hassan Akl has performed an enormous function in Aurora’s rise to one of many nation’s finest Division III hockey groups.

He’s high 10 within the NCHA in targets and assists, and truly leads D-III in assists. 

And none of it must be a shock contemplating the work the junior ahead places in, particularly within the offseason.

“I’m actually grateful I skate with lots of actually good gamers, lots of execs, too, and so they have personally helped me elevate my recreation,” Akl stated. It’s essential to work with gamers who’re higher than you, that can assist you see what it takes to get to the subsequent stage.”

Akl, who has racked up 39 helpers to go together with his 13 targets, stated there have been lots of features of his recreation he targeted on forward of the 2024-25 season. And it’s paid off huge time.

“I labored rather a lot on the little particulars,” Akl stated. “I shot the puck extra, did a greater job of studying the ice within the offensive zone. My recreation has at all times been talent and skating. I’ve had these instruments for awhile. It’s simply been specializing in the little issues.”

Akl and the Spartans received the common season convention championship and are ranked No. 2 within the nation within the USCHO.com ballot. They’re set to face No. 14 Adrian tonight in a semifinal convention event recreation.

“It’s been actually enjoyable going to the rink every single day, and having everybody push one another,” Akl stated. “We go into each recreation with confidence and that comes with working laborious and doing the little issues.”

On a private stage, it’s been a yr to recollect for Akl who has seen his manufacturing sky rocket in yr three at Aurora.

He had seven complete targets in his first two years. He’s practically doubled that this season. And within the first two years, he amassed 33 assists. He’s practically 10 above that complete this yr.

Sure, lots of it’s Akl and what he’s finished to place himself ready to succeed. However the group round him has helped his trigger huge time as properly.

“It’s going on the market and never overthinking,” Akl stated. “Everybody is aware of their function and we now have 4 strains that may exit and play properly. It makes issues simpler I can simply go on the market and play stress free, and do my factor. It’s working properly. I give all of the credit score to my teammates.”

Akl grew up in Canada and has at all times had a ardour for hockey.

“I began skating once I was 3 or 4 and began taking part in at age 5,” Akl stated. “I’ve been across the recreation a very long time.”

As he grew up, the thought of taking part in in school grew to become extra actual. He discovered a house in Aurora.

“After I went the junior route, I had school in thoughts, and the chance got here as much as go to Aurora,” Akl stated. “The whole lot has labored out rather well. I’m pleased with the playing cards I’ve been dealt.”

The Spartans, who’ve 23 wins, essentially the most in program historical past, are hoping just a few extra playing cards are dealt of their favor as they take purpose at their first convention championship. The sooner or later at a time strategy is vital.

“Day-to-day,” Akl stated. “We’re not targeted on the rankings or something. We’ve simply caught to taking it day-to-day and it’s been working. We all know we now have an excellent take a look at arising towards Adrian.”

Whereas the main focus is on the current, Akl does hope to play professional hockey some day.

“It’s one of many causes I selected Aurora. I do know coach (Jason) Bloomingburg has lots of connections. I knew if I got here right here, I’d have a possibility to play professional sooner or later if I do what I’m suppose to do. I hope taking part in professional is in my future.”