Seawolves hockey secures an overtime win over Lindenwood in final game of the season

After tying 7-7 with Lindenwood University the night before, the Seawolves returned to the Seawolf Sports Complex on March 11 eager for victory. Connor Marritt’s overtime goal granted UAA a 4-3 win over the Lions in the final game of the season. 

The game got off to a slow start as neither team was able to connect with the goal. With a minute left in the first period, the Seawolves found their groove, and Ben Almquist got the team on the scoreboard with his ninth goal of the season. UAA entered the second period with a 1-0 advantage over the visitors. 

The Seawolves carried their momentum into the second period with Davis Goukler scoring only four minutes after the starting face off. The Lions responded with a goal of their own 30 seconds later, though.

With the crowd still booing at the opposing team, Almquist won the face off and quickly passed to Maximilian Helgeson. Helgeson then fired the puck right past the goalie for another Seawolf goal. The crowd’s booing turned into cheering and the student section banged on the glass around the ice to show their support. The Seawolves led 3-1 with 15 minutes left in the second period. 

Three minutes later, William Gilson was sent to the penalty box for tripping. Down a player, the Seawolves clutched up on their defense, blocking several shots by the Lions. As Gilson skated back onto the ice at the end of his penalty, though, Lindenwood finally connected with the net. 

Two minutes later, the Lions tied the game 3-3. The rest of the second period was scoreless and the Seawolves entered the third period tied with the visitors. 

While the third period was scoreless, it still featured lots of excitement in the form of penalties. The Lions were given six penalties, including two major five minute penalties and two game misconduct ten minute penalties. The two Lindenwood players  with ten minute penalties left the game after attempting to fight the Seawolves.

The tension was high in the game and the crowd as UAA entered overtime. Fans had left in disappointment the night before in the 7-7 tied game. However, the Seawolves were not about to repeat history. 

Matt Allen won the face off for UAA and set up the winning play for the Seawolves. He passed to Max Osborne who found Marritt near the goal. Marritt then fired the puck into the net, winning the game for the Seawolves. The crowd erupted into cheers, and the players skated up to the glass to celebrate with the student section. The Seawolves secured a 4-3 victory over Lindenwood in their season finale. 

“Great way to finish the season,” head coach Matt Shasby told Assistant Director of Athletics Ian Marks. “Proud of our leadership group for the way they set the foundation in year one. Every student-athlete in that locker room did an amazing job representing the university. Thank you to all the fans and supporters for the amazing scenes at the Seawolf Sports Complex.”

With their win over the Lions, the Seawolves finished their season with 8-19-1 record (win-losses-ties). This game was also Nolan Kent, Caleb Hite, Jamie Collins and Derek Hamelin’s final collegiate match.