Lions Blank Central Oklahoma, Will Play for ACHA National Championship Wednesday Night
The Lions will look to win their second straight ACHA National Championship Wednesday night.
3/9/2010 8:55:06 PM
The top ranked Lindenwood men's ice hockey team ended Cinderella's magical tournament run Tuesday evening, and advanced to the Wednesday night's ACHA National Championship game with a 4-0 shutout of Central Oklahoma.
The 10th seeded Bronchos advanced to the semifinals with a pair of overtime upsets. Central Oklahoma knocked off tenth-seeded Oklahoma in round one, and then shocked second-ranked Penn State in the quarterfinals.
Determined not to be upset, the Lions skated out to an early lead and overwhelmed the Bronchos with suffocating defense.
Grant Gorczyca continued his strong tournament play, scoring less than four minutes into the contest to give Lindenwood a quick 1-0 lead. Minutes later, Cory Spradling tallied a power play goal to push the lead to two. Spradling would add another power play score later in the period to give the Lions a commanding 3-0 lead after one.
Jake Coyle scored his fifth goal of the season in the opening moments of the second period to give Lindenwood a four goal lead. Goalie Robi Cavallari and the Lion defense would do the rest as they shut down Central Oklahoma over the final 36 minutes.
Cavallari stopped 24 shots to record his fifth shutout of the season, and Bret Morrell finished with a pair of assists.
Lindenwood (41-5, 16-4) advances to the national championship game for the third straight year and will look to win its second straight title tomorrow night at 7 p.m.