The Lions swept back-to-back games against Bethel (Tenn.) February 28-29 to capture the Great Plains Collegiate Inline Hockey League (GPCIHL) Regional Championship at Matteson Square Gardens in St. Peters, Missouri. Lindenwood defeated the Wildcats 2-1 in double overtime on Friday night and stopped Bethel 3-2 in one overtime period Saturday afternoon in the best-of-three series.
The first contest of the weekend proved to be a nail-biter from the start. The Lions offense worked well and provided numerous scoring chances, but the puck refused to hit the back of the net. Despite being outshot 14-7 in the first period, the Wildcats made one of those shots count at 9:29 to take a 1-0 lead. Lindenwood continued to work into the Bethel zone, but it took over 20 minutes of game time before
Tyler Watson took advantage of a turnover and tied the game on an unassisted effort with 1:53 remaining in the second.
The final period of regulation was a crisp one with solid play from both sides and no penalties, but neither team sounded the horn, which sent the contest to overtime. The Lions continued to send the puck on goal in extra time, but the Wildcat netminder, who made 53 saves on the day, refused to yield. Lindenwood goalie
Jacob Robinson presented a similar wall and the first overtime period ended without a decision. The second overtime played out much like the previous 26 minutes of game-time had, with no scoring, until
Nick Berger set up
Joe Fordyce for the winner at 8:16. After playing the equivalent of more than a game-and-a-half, the marathon was over with the Lions taking a 1-0 series lead.
Lindenwood outshot Bethel 54-23 and Robinson stopped 22 of the 23 shots he faced to earn the win and Star #2 honors. Fordyce was named Star #3 with his game-winner in double overtime.
After an emotional victory, the Lions carried momentum into the second game of the series on Saturday and used it to build a 2-0 advantage on the scoreboard, but the Wildcats rallied in the third to force another dramatic finish.
Brycon Johnson gave Lindenwood a quick 1-0 lead off a feed from
Nick DellaMorte just 51-seconds into the game, and
Joey Rosa doubled the margin at the 5:38 mark of the second. Bethel began the comeback with an even-strength goal at 4:27 of the third and the Wildcats tied it with 3:44 remaining in regulation. The final seconds ticked away and with a 2-2 score, the result was overtime once again. Bethel was trying to stay alive and force a game three while the Lions were attempting to clinch the series, which is what they did. Rosa took a pass from
Christian Acosta and buried a shot at 3:38 to send the Lindenwood fans home happy.
The Lions outshot the Wildcats 28-15 and Robinson made 13 saves to earn another win. With his two-goal effort, Rosa earned Star #1 honors while Johnson earned Star #2 honors with a goal and assist.
With the victories, Lindenwood improved to 13-7 overall on the season and wrapped up conference play with a mark of 9-4. The Lions now prepare for the National Collegiate Roller Hockey Association (NCRHA) D1 National Championship April 16-18. All games will be played at the Fort Myers Skatium in Fort Meyers, Florida. Lindenwood finished second at the event last year after falling to Farmingdale State College 7-3 in the final.
