I’m here late in the first game. Really late.

About 3 minutes left, and (it looks like) Lindenwood leads 4-1. Sounds like LU has controlled the game and WCU is going to have to do something special pull out something late. My guess is that their magic slowed a bit, and LU took advantage and didn’t let up.

Thurston, Brooks, Zimmel, Berry, Rubeo starting line-up

Both teams getting time in the offensive zone, but no real scoring opportunities.

Still a lot of nothing, but that’s kinda expected when two teams know each other this well.

Magulick, 2 min for roughing. Big kill early in this scoreless game.

Zimmel, 2 min, hooking

chance to completely change momentum with a late goal.

Both teams playing well, not giving the other team many quality chances to score, even on the Power Play. Penn State outplayed Illinois slightly, but there’s still a lot of hockey to go.

And I know officially hate the video feed. I’ll apparently be well delayed…

….if getting video at all…..

When i get some sort of update, I’ll obviously relay – 11:57 left.

Just the announcers doing small name plugs for the “sponsors”

Each team gets one, 2 minutes of 4 on 4.

he REALLY wants to win

but Signet up to the task. 5 minutes left in the second period.

Mike Berta, Illinois’ goalie, up to that challenge. 3:31 left

That’s their one for the game, but it was necessary. Illinois had back to back icings, keeping their line out there for a long time during this Penn State assault. Illinois players were tired and this first goal will be a big one.

Jordan Pringle speeds in, hits the crossbar, but forced Signet out of position and Jenning puts home the empty net

Icers are playing very well, so this one is still far from being over. Berta’s seeing more and more rubber, and eventually he won’t be able to make up for Illinois’ defensive lapses.

and puts the Icers in a huge 2-0 hole early. 2 minutes down in the 3rd…

Important chance to get a goal and make this a 1 goal game again.

Illinois makes a break down and scores an easy one in front, 3-0 Illini.

Penn State still getting chances, still not putting them away…

Icers struggling to get a presence in the offensive zone

Wasn’t a horrible game by the Icers, but it’s a game I’ve seen them play before this season. They control play for much of the game, but have no urgency to get the puck into the net. Oh, they’ll shoot like crazy, but they struggle to take quality shots. And when they need to start scoring, they fire it high/wide, or they’re shooting it into bodies. All it takes is 5 minutes of a lack of focus, and you’re done. Especially against a talented team like Illinois. On the other side, Illinois had a few chances, and they buried them. That’s the difference today. Mike Berta played extremely well again, and he earned a big shutout.

So there it is – another year, another group of seniors that will fall short of winning a title. And there will be a lot of quality players lost – guys who had stellar (some record-setting) careers who brought so much to this Icers family as players and as people. Our seniors:

1. - Andrew Magulick
2. - Kyle Mills
3. - Steve Thurston
4. - Jaime Zimmel
5. - Brandon Rubeo
6. - Steve Peck
7. - Brent Tranter
8. - Mike Diethorn
9. - Craig Brooks
10. - Scott Dakan
11. - Nick Signet
12. - Lukas DeLorenzo
13. - Captain – Frank Berry

Another great group of guys I’ve been able to watch and get to know throughout their years as Icers – they’ll surely be missed.

Lindenwood defeated Illinois tonight in the championship game, 4-1. From the sounds of it, Lindenwood completely controlled the game, and Illinois’ goalie Mike Berta was the only reason it wasn’t a bigger blowout.

Yeah – I called this one. From my first tourney post: “…But if I had to make a prediction right now, I seriously think this is Lindenwood’s year – they’ve got everything in place, and anything less than the championship will be considered an upset at some level.” Amazing how that worked out.