TAMPA, Fla. – For the first time in program history, Quinnipiac topped college hockey by defeating Minnesota 3-2 in overtime to win the 2023 NCAA Division I Men’s Hockey National Championship. Jacob Quillan scored 10 seconds into overtime, helping off a Sam Lipkin (two assists) serve with a forehand backhand for the win.
“This is unbelievable,” Quillan said. “I mean, the schoolboys laid in so much blood, tears, and sweat, for an entire year. It’s a dream come true, you know. We did it. We’re going to celebrate tonight.”
The situation was Quillan’s third base goal stroke of the Frozen 4 later he had 2 goals in the inconsistency of Michigan in the semi-finals game. He ended the tournament with five goals and two contributions for seven points in four games.
“We have a tight game ahead of us,” Quillan said of his goal. “Lipkin finds the middle ground. I mean, [Zach] Metsa made a nice pass, and then [Lipkin] showed off his backhand sauce skills. I went back with him to the opposite side and tucked him in.”
Collin Graf tied the game with a power play goal with 2:47 left in directive after head trainer Rand Pecknold pulled Yaniv Perets (13 saves) for an additional forward. Christophe Tellier also scored for the Bobcats (34-4-3) and Zach Metsa had three contributions.
“It’s just amazing,” QU head trainer Rand Pecknold said. “We’re excited. I’m so proud of these guys. Great bunch. It’s amazing to see all my alums in the stands. I can’t even put it into words. I’m fighting right now.” John Mittelstadt and Jaxon Nelson individually counted for the Golden Gophers (29-10-1). Justen Close made 27 saves.
“Hats off to Quinnipiac, but we were in the right place,” Minnesota trainer Bob Motzko said. The other should never have gone in. You know, it was an unfortunate situation. So we had a chance. “I mean, I’m devastated. We have an amazing team. The love in that chamber and that group. I’m crushed by them. For all of us.”
Mittelstadt opened the scoring just five minutes into the game. QU’s Jayden Lee fanned a breakaway pass and Connor Kurth was right there to pounce on the turnover before sending it in front of Mittelstadt.
Nelson doubled the principal less than five minutes into the second. Brock Faber’s shot bounced well off the end boards and Nelson was right there to shoot it in.
The Bobcats answered about three minutes later. The Mets’ Zach kept the puck at the blue line before coming down the wall and feeding Tellier in front for a rebound. The third period was all Quinnipiac already Graf broke concluded, selection up time in the offensive sector and outshooting the Gophers 14-2.
QU has come to the title twice before, falling to Yale in 2013 and North Dakota in 2016, the other also in Tampa.
Metsa said. It’s been a crazy journey for that to be a goal at the beginning of the year and to be able to do it. First of all, I’m happy for all the alums and guys that have come before us that have laid the foundation that we’ve been able to grow from. It’s a dream come true. “
FAQs
This game is tied! Collin Graf! | 3rd – 2:47 am?
– Quinnipiac found the equalizer on the power plays with less than three minutes left in the game. With an extra forward on the ice, Collin Graf decided to shoot and beat Justen Close in the five-hole to tie the game at 2-2.
Bobcats to the power play late?
– Trailing 2-1 on the man advantage, Quinnipiac looks for the tying goal with 4:52 left. The Bobcats have been all over the Gophers so distant in the third, outshooting them 9-2.
Quinnipiac turns it on late?
About midway through the third period the Bobcats are all over Minnesota, applying plenty of offensive pressure in search of the tying goal at 2-1. Shots on goal so far this season are 5-1, QU. Quinnipiac gained momentum off a strong penalty kill and Justen Close was good when Minnesota needed it.
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