They did it for Eric - Farmingdale State College wins the Division 2 title

Minds were wandering a little bit as the Farmingdale State College Rams entered Independence, Missouri.  A successful run in the ECRHA and this season has been dedicated to the memory of their pal Eric Hansen.  He died tragically at the beginning of the season.  Eric was one of the program’s founders and dedicated his time to help this organization grow. 

The team arrived a full day early to check out the facility and get some practice time in.  Practice is something that has been a tough thing to do for the Rams.  Speaking to some of the players throughout the tournament, not everyone is able to make it all the time or they just can't.  School and work schedules just make it too difficult.  They skated well and it seemed like they were in the zone.  Practice led to pool play and into the elimination bracket they played together, not missing too many beats.  They played UC San Diego in pool play and just ran into a hot goalie, but still pulled away with the 2-1 victory.  Fast forward to the final four and they meet UC San Diego again.  A 1-1 score through the first period didn't scare the Rams, as they exploded for 3 goals in the 2nd by Chris Sharkey, Bobby Litras and Chris Russolello.  They popped in 2 more in the 3rd to stay ahead and win a convincing game 6-3 where again, they were never behind.

To the big game they go.  The Rams were given a scare mid-season by Massachusetts as an overtime did have the Rams prevail.  Later in the season Farmingdale beat them twice more and in convincing fashion.  Farmingdale won the opening draw and Matt Catania walked the puck up and gave it to Chris Sharkey.  Sharkey fired a shot past the Massachusetts goaltender and the Rams found themselves with a quick 1-0 lead.  The teams traded possessions over the next 6 minutes and the Minutemen tied it 7 minutes in on a goal by Andrew Kelley.  The next two minutes saw the Rams with a power play and Sharkey would put them up 2-1 after 1 period of play.  The second period was an all out, end to end scoring war.  Not 2 minutes went by at any point without seeing a goal for either side.  Nick Walker and Mike Tardino would each net 2 for Farmingdale while Chris Russolello got one.  For Massachusetts, Aaron Marcel would get one and Nolan Carrier had two power play goals, but it still was not enough.  Two periods were played and the Rams had a 7-4 lead.  The 3rd had each team trade a power play goal.  Carrier added another, getting a hat trick for Massachusetts.  Tardino with a hat trick as well for Farmingdale.  Bobby Litras chipped in one and Shawn Post got the last one of the game. 

Each squad had a large bench and made sure to get everyone rink time in the final period.  It gave some a great chance to be on this grand stage.  A 5800 seat rink and tons of fans cheering, with hundreds watching live at home.  These student athletes enjoyed the experience.  Maybe some a little too candid as Chris Sharkey gave us the R rated live interview.  He apologized later and his eyes kind of lit up when he said a couple choice words, but he and his teammates eyes lit up more during the team pictures.  They had Eric's #23 jersey right next to the cup and banner to honor him with this amazing run this year and the Division 2 national championship.

Congratulations to the Farmingdale State College Rams – the 2015 National Collegiate Roller Hockey Association Division II Champion!