2011-12 MIAC Playoff Champion Golden Gusties
Carolyn Draayer celebrates after scoring the game-winning goal. Photo courtesy of Sport PiX
To start the game, Concordia did a nice job on the defense by not allowing Gustavus to generate any momentum in the offensive zone. The Cobbers benefitted from an odd-player rush at the 10:49 mark in the first period and Katelyn Dold gave the visitors a 1-0 lead with an unassisted goal.
Concordia maintained its one-goal advantage until 15 minutes passed in the second frame. After a cross-checking penalty on Cobber Brooke Rundell at the 13:58 mark put the Gusties in the power play, senior captain Mollie Carroll banked in a rebound ensuing a Courtney Boucher shot for the equalizer. Boucher and Kelly Thotland were credited with the assist. And with :50 remaining in the frame, Jenna Christensen back-handed in the go-ahead goal for a 2-1 Gustavus lead at the second intermission.
The Gusties wasted little time in the third as Carolyn Draayer forced a turnover in the Cobber zone 2:19 into the period and fired a slap-shot past Concordia goalie Rebecca Hendrickson for what proved to be the game-winner. Carroll notched her second goal of the game (15th of the season) at the 6:50 mark after some great puck movement in front of the Cobber goal by Allie Schwab and Lindsey Hjelm. Concordia cut the deficit to two on a power play goal by Ali Nelson with just over six minutes left on the clock, but the Gusties held on for the 4-2 victory.
The offensive battle was quite even with the Gusties edging the Cobbers in the shots department 22-to-20. Hendrickson tallied 18 saves in goal for Concordia and Gustie netminder Danielle Justice matched that mark with 18 saves as well.
Senior captain Mollie Carroll scored two goals in the title game. Photo courtesy of Sport PiX
Special teams were evenly matched as well with the Cobbers scoring on 1-of-3 power plays, while the Gusties converted on 1-of-2 in the player advantage.
The Three Crowns will enjoy the title for the time being, but will get back to business as usual next week in preparation for the NCAA Tournament. Gustavus will find out who its first round opponent will be on Monday when the NCAA announces the tourney field.