ADRIAN, Mich. – The Adrian College Men's ACHA Division 1 Hockey program is proud to announce that Graduate Student forward, Dylan Gajewski (Woodhaven, Michigan), has been named Team Captain for the 2026-2027 season. Gajewski served as an Assistant Captain in 2025-26, helping the Bulldogs reach the national championship game last season.
The 5-11, 180-pound American has been a vital part of the team's previous success over the last four years. Since Gajewski joined the Bulldogs in 2022, the team has garnered a 135-19-6 overall record, four top-ten year-end national rankings, four conference regular-season titles, three conference postseason crowns, and the 2024 ACHA Division 1 national championship.
"While Dylan has been a huge part of our offense the last four years, more importantly, he has been a great 'lead by example' type of person on the ice," stated Head Coach, Gary Astalos, who just wrapped up his tenth season at the helm. "Juice has a very strong play-making ability and has really developed into a responsible 200-foot player. He is a person who truly loves Adrian College and has played some big minutes for us over the past four years. We could not be happier to have him steer the ship for us next season."
The Finance major graduated in May of 2026 and has excelled on campus and in the classroom and has also served as the team's lead SAAC Representative. In addition, He is referred to as a high-IQ, two-way hockey player, logging a total of 141 games in his first four seasons, while registering 81 goals and 92 assists for 173 total points. Gajewski was named to the GLCHL All-Rookie Team and All-GL6 Playoffs teams. In the spring of 2023, Gajewski was also selected to play for Team USA at the World Cup of University Hockey in Romania, winning a gold medal. In 2025 he was also selected to play for Team USA at the World University Games in Italy, coming in at fourth place.
Gajewski will lead a group that graduated six seniors last season and won the Great Lakes Six Hockey Conference regular season championship and GL6 Playoff Tournament, but ultimately lost in the ACHA national championship game.
"While I know Dylan will do an excellent job wearing the 'C' for us, we truly have an exceptional group of leaders and people on this team. There are so many guys on this team who will and will not wear a letter on their jersey, who will be there every step of the way to support Dylan in this role." stated Astalos.
In conjunction with the announcement of their Team Captain, the team is also proud to announce that junior Forward, Keegan DeCaluwe (Port Franks, Ontario, Canada), has been named Associate Team Captain. DeCaluwe is an Accounting major with a minor in tactical sport and conditioning. The Ontario native is also a prominent figure on campus also serves as a SAAC representative. In 71 total games over his first two campaigns, the 5-11, 180-pound forward has contributed 25 goals and 38 assists for 63 total points, known for playing a key role on the Bulldogs penalty kill and powerplay.
"Keegs is everything you want in a player and person for your program. He has a relentless work ethic, he is a leader in our community, and always has a smile on his face. Keegs will do a great job in assisting Juice in this leadership role." stated Coach Astalos.
Astalos went on to say, "I think for us, we are very eager for this season to begin. Losing two years in a row in the national championship game has to give our group some internal motivation this off-season to better prepare to start the season on time. We need everyone in our locker room to chip in and help us reach our team goals. We are very much looking forward to seeing the guys back on campus in August."
Later this summer, the MD1 Bulldogs will release their season schedule for 2026-27, which is set to kick off in September.
