Adrian's luck runs out in title game

Compiled by MiCHO Staff

The Adrian College Bulldogs fell painfully short in their bid for their first NCAA Division III Championship, falling 4-3 to the St. Norbert College Green Knights at the Ridder Arena in Minneapolis on Saturday night.

"We had a few lapses on the penalty kill and that really lead to them getting the win," said head coach Ron Fogarty. "I'm proud of our guys and the heart they showed each time we went down a goal. I'm also proud to be the head coach of Adrian College."

Nick Tabisz scored on the power-play at 15:26 of the third period to seal the title for St. Norbert who were in the championship game for the fifth time in the last eight years.

Sam Kuzyk, Kyle Watson, and Eric Miller lit the lamp and Brad Fogal made 30 saves for an Adrian team that finished with an overall record of 25-4-1.

"We could not gain any momentum because every goal by us was answered by them," said senior Sam Kuzyk. "Our team tried to overcome the penalties but they really did a good job of making those penalties hurt."

Cody Keefer popped in a pair of goals, Johan Ryd added a power-play marker and B.J. O'Brien stopped 18 as SNC won it's second National Championship.

The 17 outgoing Bulldog seniors won four MCHA regular season and Harris Cup titles and depart with an overall record of 102-12-2.

Senior blueliner Jeremy Klaver and senior forward Shawn Skelly both nabbed Frozen Four All-Tournament Team honors.

Photo courtesy of Adrian Athletics.