The Lindenwood men’s ice hockey team shut out Iowa State 2-0 Wednesday night in Chicago, Ill. to repeat as ACHA Division I National Champions. It marked the second straight shutout for the Lions, and capped a dominating tournament performance.
Neither team scored in the opening period despite having several opportunities. The Lions’ defense was able to kill off a pair of minor infractions midway through the frame that kept things even. With less than two minutes remaining in the first, Iowa State was whistled for a five-minute major penalty. However, Lindenwood was unable to convert on the power play chance that extended into the second period.
Midway through the second,
Cory Spradling broke the scoreless tie with his fifth goal of the tournament. Moments later,
Chad Boeckman won a face-off in the Iowa State end and
Steve Balint found
Mike Sturdevant who scored on a shot from the point to put the Lions up 2-0.
The score would remain that way going into the final period. Twice Iowa State had power play opportunities, but the Lindenwood defense was able to kill them off, securing its second straight national championship.
In four tournament games, Lindenwood outscored its opponents 19-5.
Robi Cavallari recorded his second straight shutout stopping 28 shots. Spradling was named tournament MVP.
Steve Balint,
Bret Morrell, and
Grant Gorczyca were all named first-team All-tournament selections.
Colin Long and Cavallari were second team picks.
Lindenwood concludes the year with a record of 42-5, and won the CSCHL postseason tournament for the first time in program history. The 42 wins tied last year’s win total for the most victories in a season.