Early on in the third period of the Northeast Collegiate Hockey League Championship game, No. 1 seeded Niagara University notched a goal to extend its lead to 3-0 over Oswego State. But even with a three-goal deficit, the Lakers refused to end their season at that moment.
“I think it contributed to the mindset that the game was never out of reach,” head coach Chris Timmons said. “It definitely helped keep faith in our team knowing we did it once that weekend already and that it was possible. As long as we kept the pressure on and kept getting those opportunities, you could feel the floodgates were going to open up eventually and that is what happened in the third.”
Those floodgates did open in the third, as Oswego State came roaring back to tie the game at 3-3 on three unanswered goals. However, a late tripping penalty against the Lakers would result in a power-play goal for the Purple Eagles, sealing an NECHL title with just 16 seconds left in the game.
“Being able to take the day to sit on that loss, our team was robbed,” Timmons said. “If you watch the play, the penalty was called on a breakout attempt from Niagara in which our player tripped them, but the puck still exited the zone and they had possession. The call that was made was one that happens during the first, second or third period early. Not when it’s a 3-3 game in the conference championship with a trip to nationals on the line. If we would have lost in a five-on-five situation at the end of the third or in overtime, it would have been easier to swallow, but we were completely robbed.”
Coming from behind was a common theme for the weekend tournament, as the Lakers came back from a 4-2 deficit in the third against Rutgers University in the quarterfinals. Andrew Cardi tied the game with 1:12 remaining, sending the Lakers’ bench into euphoria. In double-overtime, Mike Lemieux scored the game-winning goal, advancing his team to the semifinals.
“The message was pretty simple, we needed to play our game,” Timmons said. “The first two periods, we found ourselves running around a bit and getting caught up in the emotions of a playoff game. Once we were able to get back our systems, we were able to fight our way back and, in my opinion, dominate the next 60 minutes of play. It was just a matter of time before we found the back of the net at that point.”
The win put Oswego State in the NECHL semifinals, pitting the No. 3 seeded Lakers against No. 2 seeded Rochester Institute of Technology. Oswego State came away with a commanding 3-1 win, with goalie Alex Gallose stopping 24 of 25 shots.
“Alex had an excellent weekend,” Timmons said. “It has been night and day with him in regards to his ability within the pipes. He has grown so much as a player and individual which showed this weekend. He was able to reset after each goal and just come back stronger with some of the saves he was making for us to stay in those tight games. He played a huge role in our success this season and got us as far as he did with his play.”
Although the Lakers season did not end with an NECHL championship and a trip to nationals, it was successful. This was the first time in program history they had reached the title game.
“I couldn’t be more proud of our performance this weekend,” Timmons said. “That weekend was one that really put a spotlight on the identity of our team and what it means to be a Laker. I couldn’t have asked any more from our team in that game.”
As for next year, Oswego State returns a bulk of their team, losing just four seniors. Leading scorer Luke Myers graduates, but second-leading scorer and NECHL Rookie of the Year Braydon Deming, as well as Gallose, will both return. It seems like only a matter of time before Timmons leads the team to the ACHA Div. I National Tournament.
“After seeing the performance and effort this past weekend, there is a bright future for this team going forward with those returners coming back,” Timmons said. “Even though it was a painful experience for our guys this weekend, it is also a learning experience for them. With being in that situation and knowing how close they were, they know exactly what it is going to take in order to take the next step forward and make it to nationals.”
Photo by Alexis Fragapane | The Oswegonian
