Simcoes Holly VanNetten Plays Big Role Helping Mercyhurst Lakers Advance To AHA Final
Erie, PA – March 1, 2026
The stakes are rising, and so are the performances from the rising talents in women’s college hockey. Freshman defenseman Holly VanNetten of Simcoe, Ontario played a pivotal role as the Mercyhurst Lakers clinched their Atlantic Hockey America (AHA) Tournament semifinal series in dramatic fashion, advancing to the conference championship and keeping their sights set on a berth in the NCAA Women’s Hockey Tournament.
Mercyhurst completed a 2-0 series sweep with an intense double overtime win, the kind of postseason battle that tests team mettle and character. VanNetten was at the heart of the decisive play, firing a critical shot that ultimately found its way to a game-clinching goal by forward Berlin Lolalcher late in the second overtime frame.
From the outset, VanNetten described her first playoff experience as surreal, a mix of nerves and exhilaration shared by her teammates. “It was definitely a surreal feeling,” she said. “I had a lot of nerves going into the games but luckily I have the best vets who knew the right things to say to calm me down. As soon as the games started my nerves went away and I settled in.”
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The AHA playoff atmosphere differs markedly from regular season play. The arena buzzes with energy, intensity spikes early and often, and every shift carries extra weight. For a freshman still acclimating to NCAA Division I hockey, staying composed in those moments is no small feat — and VanNetten did just that.
Her contributions this season extend beyond this series. VanNetten has been a force throughout the year, earning recognitions such as AHA Defender of the Week and AHA Rookie of the Week after standout performances that included multi-point games and a strong weekend against Syracuse.
But it was the clutch sequence in double overtime that will be remembered most. Recounting the moment, VanNetten admitted the final play unfolded in a blur. “It was an amazing feeling. I could not even see the puck because it was a scramble, but I saw the refs arms and I saw my teammates reactions and I rushed over right away,” she said. “It was a huge relief to get the series win in two games opposed to having to play a win or go home game on Sunday.”
The Lakers now turn their focus to Penn State in the AHA championship game next weekend — a matchup with even more on the line. The winner earns the AHA title and an automatic berth in the NCAA Women’s Hockey Tournament, where only the nation’s top teams compete for a spot in the frozen four and a national title.
Looking ahead, VanNetten is clear on what her team needs to carry forward. “I think we just have to show up and play our game,” she said. “Not a lot of teams can beat us when we are playing at our best. The biggest thing is bringing a lot of energy onto the bench and the ice. Our team works off energy so if the bench is loud it will translate to the ice. Our team is so close that we all want this win for each other and especially for our seniors.”
For Mercyhurst, that senior leadership is a stabilizing force in tight games, and the Lakers will need it most when they face a Penn State squad that thrives on pressure. Yet with VanNetten’s calm presence and contagious confidence, Mercyhurst looks well positioned to rise to the challenge.
As the Lakers prepare to skate for a championship and a spot in the national tournament, VanNetten’s journey from Simcoe to postseason impact continues to make waves — and her role refusing to be defined by her freshman status is an early mark of a player ready for big moments.
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