Current Lion Cody Kettler and Lindenwood University Sports Hall of Fame member Greg Thompson, who played for the Lions from 2003-07, captured the gold medal for Team USA at the 2013 IIHF Inline Hockey World Championships with the team's 6-3 win over Sweden in Dresden, Germany. The pair of defensemen led the team to an undefeated tournament and USA's first gold medal since 2010.
The team earned first place in Group A with three straight wins versus Slovenia, Canada, and Slovakia. Team USA outscored opponents 22-7 in the group competition. The team then defeated host Germany 7-4 in the quarterfinal round followed by Slovakia 11-4 in the semifinals to reach the title game for the first time since 2011.
In the championship game, USA took a 1-0 lead 1:37 into the first quarter on goal by Nielsson Archibal. Sweden responded with two goals to go up 2-1 by halftime.
Team USA tied the contest 51 seconds into the third on a power play goal by Travis Noe. The Americans then regained the lead with another power play goal by Rob Alexander midway through the quarter.
Noe scored his second goal of the game early in the fourth but Sweden quickly responded to cut the Americans' lead to 4-3. Pat Cannone increased the lead to 5-3 less than a minute later. Noe completed the hat trick on a breakaway, Kettler and Alexander assisted on the play.
The 6-3 victory is the team's first gold medal since 2010. The United States has won six gold medals, four silver medals, and three bronze medals in the 17-year history of the IIHF Inline Hockey World Championship.
The pair of defenseman performed well on the international stage. Kettler finished the tournament with two goals and eight assists while Thompson recorded a goal and two assists. Thompson spoke on the honor of playing for Team USA and being named captain for the 2013 team.
"It is always an honor putting on the red, white, and blue jersey and representing your country. Not many people in the sport can say that they have done that. Wearing the 'C' is obviously an unbelievable accomplishment but it can be difficult at times."
"There are always so many different personalities on a team and it can sometimes be tough to get everyone on the same page. Fortunately, we had an unbelievable group of players that came together for our ultimate goal! Winning made the trip to Germany that much better. It is always nice to see your hard work pay off at the end of the day," said Thompson.
He also spoke on the opportunity to play with Kettler.
"I actually coached Cody a little bit during my time at Lindenwood and I have seen him progress as not only a player but a person over the years. There is no doubt in my mind that he will have a spot on this team for a long time."
"Lindenwood definitely prepares you for the highest competition in the roller hockey world. Coach Ron Beilsten knows the game inside and out and gets the most out of his players. A job well done to him and his staff!"
The World Championship capped off an exciting year for Kettler. He helped the Lions to an undefeated season with a 27-0-2 record. Lindenwood won the 2013 National Collegiate Roller Hockey Association Division-I Championship with a 6-2 win over Michigan State in April.
