Category | Sports

Ice Hockey exits empty-handed

Published on March 24, 2009 by Brian C. Bell

Last week, the 2007 ACHA Division III KSU Ice Hockey team had the honor of attending the ACHA Division II National Championship tournament in Grand Rapids, Mich. The Owls were newcomers to the tournament, making it to the national tournament in their second year of Division II competition. KSU’s hard-fought route to a national title came to an end in pool play when the Owls were unsuccessful in winning any of their guaranteed three games, going 0-3 to be eliminated in the opening round.

The tournament began on Tuesday, March 17, and making it into the tournament was an accomplishment for the Owls. KSU finished ninth in the region, meaning they had no automatic qualification for the national tournament and had to compete in a single elimination regional tournament to earn the spot.

During the course of the regional tournament, KSU received the chance to avenge earlier losses to UMBC and Miami of Ohio. The wins earned the Owls a spot in this year’s national tournament against the stiffest competition they would see all year.

KSU drew Siena, DePaul, and Weber State in their pool, a grouping that KSU Ice Hockey Club President Jimmy Barry said boded well for the Owls chances,” said Barry. “We knew we were capable of winning our pool since Siena posed the biggest threat.”

The Owls opened the tournament against Weber State, losing a 2-1 heartbreaker that would make winning the pool an uphill climb.

The next day, KSU faced off against Siena, a team that the Owls previously defeated during the regular season. Barry knew that Siena would provide the toughest challenge in their pool, “We were convinced the winner of our game would win the pool,” said Barry. Siena came out blazing on the ice and used that hot start to put the scrappy Owls out of contention with a 9-0 victory. The Owls ended the tournament with a consolation game loss to DePaul, 10-3. Lead scorers for the Owls in the tournament were Chris Koutnik, Jerry Holden and Rick Lirette.

Despite the disappointing performance in Grand Rapids, Barry is proud of what his club was able to accomplish this season with a young roster.

“Making it to nationals in our second season in the ACHA Division II was a great accomplishment. For some of the team it was their first time competing in a national tournament. We will use this season to build on for next year as most of our team will be returning,” said Barry.

The trip to Grand Rapids this year gave the Owls a taste of things to come. Next year, they will surely be gunning for the same goal with a different outcome.

KSU Ice Hockey would like to thank KSU club sports, their sponsors, all of the volunteers, and their fans for a successful season. If you are interested in joining the KSU Ice Hockey club, contact the KSU club sports office for more information.