Quinnipiac's Win: Recap of the Frozen Four National Championship game.
1. Introduction
In the NCAA Division I men's hockey national championship game on April 9, 2023, Quinnipiac won its first Frozen Four national championship. At Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, the team secured a thrilling overtime victory over Minnesota with a 3-2 comeback. In this article, we'll recap the game and discuss the key moments that led to Quinnipiac's historic win.
Bobcats Capture First NCAA Men's Hockey National Championship in Dramatic Fashion
2. Game Details
Quinnipiac won the game on a goal scored by sophomore forward Jacob Quillan just 10 seconds into overtime. Forward Sam Lipkin assisted the goal. Defenseman Zach Metsa set up Lipkin with a long pass, and Quillan cut to the net to score the winner. This was a set play that the team had practiced many times throughout the year.
3. The Golden Gophers
Minnesota was the number one team in the nation and had a roster full of NHL-drafted players. The team was seeking its first national championship since 2003 and the sixth in program history. However, the team was left stunned by Quinnipiac's comeback victory. Minnesota head coach Bob Motzko called it a "crusher" and noted that his team had the game in hand before the Bobcats rallied.
4. Quinnipiac's Comeback
Quinnipiac trailed Minnesota 2-1 in the third period. With just under five minutes left in regulation, Minnesota star Logan Cooley was whistled for high-sticking. Quinnipiac head coach Rand Pecknold called a timeout and decided to pull his goalie, Yaniv Perets, with 3:28 left in regulation to give the Bobcats a 6-on-4 power play. Five seconds after the power play ended, Quinnipiac forward Collin Graf scored to tie the game, 2-2. This goal sent the game to overtime and set up Quillan's heroics.
5. Post-Game Reactions
Quillan noted that the team had practiced the set play that led to his overtime goal "100 times this year." He called it a dream come true and praised his teammates, noting that they were "like a band of brothers." Pecknold was proud of his team's effort and culture, noting that they had achieved something special for Quinnipiac University. Motzko defended his coaching tactics despite Quinnipiac's comeback, noting that his team was in the right spot and that the second goal "should have never went in."
6. Conclusion
In the end, Quinnipiac's comeback victory over Minnesota was a thrilling end to the NCAA Division I men's hockey season. The team won its first Frozen Four national championship and did so in dramatic fashion. Quillan's overtime goal will be remembered as one of the great moments in Quinnipiac hockey history.
