Gators Capture Second Place at NCT V

Feasterville, PA - Four goals by Cal Poly Pomona forward Tom Wiebe proved too much for a shorthanded Florida squad as the Gators fell 4-2 to the Broncos of the WCRHL in the Division I final of the fifth annual Collegiate Roller Hockey League National Championship Tournament. In an uncharacteristically slow-paced game, Wiebe opened the scoring at 6:30 of the first off an assist from Dave Leiter. The second period passed without a goal being scored. In the third, both teams traded goals as a Florida equalizer at 3:30 by Steve Roettger was answered by Wiebe under a minute later to put the Broncos back ahead, 2-1. Wiebe secured the hat trick only thirty seconds into the fourth, extending the Bronco lead to 3-1, but a determined Gators squad refused to quit and pulled back within one on a Jason Roncek tally. Several key saves by Pomona goaltender Steven Freeman helped hold the lead, and Wiebe added the final goal of the contest on a breakaway fed by Jonathan Cochran with 0:35 left on the clock. Complete coverage of NCT V can be found at www.crhl.net.