By Alexis Demopoulos
Through a lot of hard work and dedication, Thunder Hockey Club defenseman Roger Davis is excited to announce his NCAA Division III commitment to Salve Regina University for the 2025-26 season.
Davis, an Exeter, N.H., native, signed with the Thunder Hockey Club after a post-grad year at Phillips Exeter Academy to continue developing as a player. In 56 games this season, Davis has established himself as a key defenseman and has 20 total points (2G, 18A).
“I had met coach Dan Hodge the year before while I attended some of his practices and he really liked my game,” said Davis. “I knew that if I signed, I could earn myself an important part on his roster and make an impact in most of our season. I moved in with the team at our team house even though I could have just as easily lived at home, because I wanted to gel nwith my team and organize some community service. I could not be more thankful for Head Coach Dan Hodge and the Thunder Hockey Club for the faith they put in me and the opportunity they gave me to achieve my goal of playing college hockey. I would also like to thank my family for their support, and my advisor Sean Tremblay.”
Davis started communicating with Head Coach Zech Klann right before the holidays. After watching Salve Regina play, Davis was impressed and reached out to coach Klann through his advisor and they began to follow his process as a player.
“Coach Klann likes the fluidity of my skating despite my 6’2” stature, my speed up and down the sheet, and the way I love to jump in the rush to help generate offense,” said Davis. “He also told me that he has confidence in my character, work ethic, and the personal importance I place on my academics.”
Davis wanted to attend a school with a competitive hockey program and rigorous academics and Salve Regina offered him both of those things.
“Salve is one of the most consistent teams in division three hockey,” said Davis. “Runner-up in the 2018 national title game and multiple playoff appearances since then, Salve is a dependably strong organization. When you commit to the Seahawks you can feel confident in the strength of the team you are joining regardless of the year. I attended a couple of their games this season and saw first-hand the talent that they have on their roster.”
Academically, Salve Regina University is unique because it combines a traditional liberal arts education, teaching critical thinking and social responsibility, with practical major and minor offerings. Additionally, the accelerated graduate program where you earn your bachelors degree in three years and begin your masters work in year four is something that I was drawn to at Salve.”
Another no-brainer that drew him to the school is the beautiful campus located in Newport, R.I. Davis felt very welcomed during his visit and got to spend some quality time with the team.
“The campus cannot be beat,” said Davis. “When I first visited Salve it was at night during the holidays. It was stunningly beautiful. Also, being located in Newport, Rhode Island is amazing with the amenities of a city but the beauty and attractions of an elite resort. The campus is just off the beach, but only a short walk to downtown where you find restaurants, pubs, etc. Even more important during my second visit, was the time I was able to spend with the guys on the team and the time I spent with Coach Klann.”
Davis has made great improvements in his game this season, but he is going to continue adding more deception into his game on the blue line as well as work on his hands.
The NCDC congratulates Roger Davis, his family, the Thunder Hockey Club and Salve Regina
University for his commitment.
