The SLU Billikens blew into town, or shall we say drove from Central St. Louis, to face off with the Bears in the final regular season game. They brought half of their ice hockey team, a new roster, and jerseys with departing numbers. The Billikens were a gruff bunch looking to end the perfect season. A hard fought first period lead to deflation when 2 Billiken goals slipped in late. Then the tide turned. The Bear was angry. Cole Murphy sat with an angry grin on his face and said to Cory Crump, who was in goal, "One more time and I will exact revenge." Out of fear or dedication, or perhaps just common sense, freshmen goalie Crump pitched a shutout the remainder of the way.

 

The Bears took the second period on a goal by Mike Ruff, as Coach Vasquez shouted, "Don't waste your shot." Ruff turned to the bench and said, "I didn't get a deer this year, but I just pegged a Billiken." Fritz Vasquez came to life in the third period putting in an early goal. The score was tied 2-2. Then it was time for the last minute Zach Dangos. Dangos jumped the boards and capped the game off early with 2 minutes remaining and a 3-2 victory was the Bears. The Billikens became enraged and slammed Pete Chilcutt to the boards. Chillcutt was lost for the remainder of the season, but will be back with a vengeance next time around.

Regional finals began Sunday morning. Kansas State was first. In the final outing of the Dick twins, the Wildcats gave a game effort, but the Bear bore too much weight. In departing, Kansas State's first class coach encouraged the Bears saying, "Go win it all guys, you are the best." Our hats are off to the Wildcats. The final was 11-1 with Scoot Scoot Danny Black leading the Bears to victory with 3 goals and an assist.

Southern Illinois would be the next opponent. SIU survived their first round game with Washington U. on a last minute goal and a sudden death victory. SIU came in hoping to land a major upset after having most likely locked up a nationals bid. It would not be. The rookie phenom Crump took control and limited SIU to 1 goal which was counted and 1 which the officials missed. Later Crump was heard saying, "2." When asked what he meant, Crump retorted, "I always give up 2. That ref just took it out of me this time; also its the number of sticks I carry." The Bears won convincingly 6-1, leaving no doubt they were headed to a showdown championship.

Murphy had seen enough. Truman State won its game over the Billikens to garner a rematch with the Bears. During the regular season the Bears had tied Truman 5-5 and 2-2. Murphy, angry over having sat on the bench, exploded into a fit of rage. "Truman was too liberal for me as a president and I'm not losing to no team named after a Democrat," Murphy shouted in the locker room." Murphy disclosed to the team this was his time and his team and Crump was summoned to the bench. (It was actually to be Murphy's game anyway, but the notion of leaving a Roosevelt successor on the floor without him, shook Murphy to the core). The battle ensued.

 

Numerous chances back and forth for 2 periods. Andrew Palazzolo, Ruff, and crew put the pressure on with shot after shot. Ruff later said, "I can shoot a Billiken, but I have a hard time killing a dog. And I don't have a Michael Vick jersey, at least one that I wear." A penalty called midway through the third stanza left the Bears shorthanded. A tired penalty killing unit of Vasquez, Tom Frederick and Joe Riney was pulled off with 42 seconds left in the penalty. A goal was scored and Coach Vasquez was scolded on the bench by the regular killing unit. "You have to let us finish the penalty off."

 

Moments passed away. A time out was called with 2:23 remaining. The line was set for Vasquez, Ruff, Zach Jacob and Dan Tardiff to carry the load until 49 seconds when Murphy would abandon the goal. Ruff, despite the most valiant effort, had nothing left. Palazzolo, who was to replace the goalie, substituted for Ruff. Murphy came to the bench. Assistant Coach McIntyre said, "Who do you want Rick?" Coach Vasquez looked down the bench and caught the glean in the eye of Zach Dangos, which said, "It's my time, remember the SLU game." Dangos went in and scored with 28 seconds remaining. Dangos nearly finished off Truman 9 seconds later, but it wasn't to be. No, this day Zach Jacob pounded home the game winner for the Bears in sudden death overtime. Coach Fudge tossed the water bottles into the air in victory.

 

In a game of giants one man stood tallest amidst the battle and despite a multitude of wounds, Cole Murphy had hoisted the team on his back and carried them to the championship. A valiant effort by all involved and Truman politely neglected to congratulate the champs, but rather feasted on the words of the defeated: "We will see you at nationals."