Denied
Rivermen drop 4-3 heartbreaker; Neumann wins national title
GPCIHL April 11th, 2006 at 5:00AM June 13th, 2008 2:20AM
The Neumann College Knights are the national champions.
Sunday in Morrisville, N.C., Neumann unleashed a vicious forecheck the likes of which UMSL hadn't faced all season, and took an early 2-0 lead on the way to a 4-3 victory that earned the Knights their first national championship in their fifth straight appearance in the DII title game.
Neumann captain Victor Scotto ripped off a hat trick to sink the Rivermen, who finish the season 29-4-1, including an excruciating 0-2 record in two championship games, each decided by one goal.
Goaltender Thomas Ames gave his tired team a fighting chance at winning it all with an awesome Nationals performance. Ames clearly established himself as the nation's top Division II goaltender of 2005-06.
Sophomore Jake Shepard was named the team's Nationals MVP for his tournament-best 14 goals. He finished the season with 64, third-best in the country.
Senior captain James Wetton led the tournament in assists and points. Wetton finished with 101 overall points in what was probably the final season of his phenomenal college career. In three seasons with the Rivermen, Wetton put up nearly 300 points, and he is the NCRHA's all-time Div. II assist leader.
We love you, Number 9....
In recognition of James Wetton's unparalleled contribution to UMSL roller hockey, his jersey number will be retired as soon as his departure is official, whether it happens now or in the future.
A number nine sweater will be displayed in the team's trophy case at UM-St. Louis upon the retirement of James' number, and regardless of his future plans, he will be the last UMSL roller hockey player to wear number nine.
Say what you will about the importance of college roller hockey to the so-called "big picture," but if ever there were a college roller hockey player deserving of such an honor, it is James Wetton. He is the face of UMSL roller hockey, now and forever.
A more detailed Nationals recap is coming soon.
The season may be over, but the coverage will continue.
James Lambert