Division I Championship - Neumann Makes it Count in Lindenwood's Backyard

A year ago the NCRHA held the 2014 National Collegiate Roller Hockey Championships in Aston, PA.  That's just a short drive from Neumann University, and at the home facility of the Neumann University ice hockey team.  The national powerhouse, Lindenwood University, came in and spoiled the party.  There were over 1,000 people in attendance watching, and hundreds following online.  They saw Lindenwood beat Neumann in their home state.  Fast forward one year to 2015 and it is a re-match in Lindenwood's state.  Both the Lions and Knights battled tough opponents to get to the final as Lindenwood slid by Arizona State University and UNLV after both teams had better starts on them.  Neumann had it a little easier over Cal Poly.  The Mustangs upset Bethel a round earlier, so some say the Knights had an easier road to the final. 

Speaking to both teams throughout the event, both were looking to play the best teams and have the best competition.  Boy was it ever...The pace of the game changed so many times, if you blinked, you would miss it.  4 out of the first 5 goals were on the power play, making it exciting for about 1,000 fans in attendance and over 700 people watching live.  The majority of the fans traveled out with Lindenwood on busses to show the in state support.  The crowd gave the event more of an amazing atmosphere that the Independence Events Center had all week.  Both programs’ Division 3 teams were also in attendance cheering on their respective school.

P.J. DiMartino opened the scoring on the man advantage for Neumann and Nick Allison had an even strength goal to put the Knights up 2-1 after one period.  The teams then traded power play goals in the second as Cory and Cody Kettler connected for the second Lion tally.  Allison moved a puck over for a nice snipe by Tyler Kraft just a short while after, answering the defending champs. The Knights maintained things through the 2^nd period, staying up by one at 3-2.  Both Kevin Dwyer (Lions) and Mike Maczynski (Knights) were making some incredible saves as 2 of the nation’s top goaltenders squared off in the battle as well.  Just through 2 periods the shots on goal were 21-17 in favor of Lindenwood.  The teams slowed things down in the 3rd, trying to change pace and create different chances and just 6 minutes in Anthony Ehinger took an Ed Jones pass and burned Dwyer to put the Knights up by 2.  Lindenwood pressed in the last man advantage for the Knights and Cory Kettler picked up a short-handed tally just a few minutes later.  Too little too late was the last Lindenwood rush with just 30 seconds left.  They pulled their goaltender Dwyer for a 5th attacker.  The 4 Neumann defenders and goaltender Mike Maczynski held off about 4 good attempts from the Lions in the final seconds to earn the cup and the celebration.

Head Coach Lee Strofe and captain Tom Youmans both praised the entire Neumann bench, support staff, family and friends in attendance and at home for their support.  Players I spoke to after the game, including some from Lindenwood, all said the game was great.  They were all proud to play for their schools and honored to be a part such an amazing event and facility of this caliber. 

These 2 teams are already calling it a rivalry - they played in interregional events and at the National Championships these past couple of years and look forward to see what happens next year as it could be a neutral site for both.  But neither team is worried.  It is just more amazing hockey in another city, time and rink.