The Delaware Blue Hens are the 2012 ACHA Division 1 national champions, thanks to a 5-1 victory over Oakland in Wednesday night's final that was never really in doubt. In fact, UD led for all but the first 1:03 of the game, since Michael Piet snuck a shot past a stunned Matt Toter in the Grizzlies net at that point. Later in that opening period, Christian Tasker overwhelmed an OU defenseman at the blue line and took it himself for a 2-0 lead. Despite the fact that the bulk of the game remained, that lead felt insurmountable, thanks to the stellar play of tournament MVP S.J. Broadt, who demoralized Oakland with several clutch stops early on. He was beaten once, by Icer nemesis Jordan MacDonald, but well after the tilt was no longer in the balance.
Chris Volonnino added a second period power play goal and Connor Moore scored twice around MacDonald's tally in the third to close out the scoring. Really though, it was all window dressing on the first-ever national title for a Blue Hens program that gladly relinquishes its title as the best to never win one.
Delaware captain, senior Andre Menard, was ecstatic after playing his last game for the Hens.
"We have a great group of guys, and we really came together at the end of the season and in this tournament," he said. "We’re like a family and we beat a great team because we worked together and we have a great goaltender in S.J. (Broadt).""I can’t describe how I feel right now," said Broadt. “But we beat a great team, so I’m really going to enjoy this tonight."
Here's some video from the last few seconds of the game, as well as the postgame festivities:
Official All-Tournament Teams
Tournament MVP
S.J. Broadt (DEL)
First Team
Goalie: Matt Toter (OAK)
Defensemen: Dustin Hopfner (OAK), Jason Michaud (DEL)
Forwards: Jordan MacDonald (OAK), Mark Zeszut (DEL), Nick LePore (DEL)
Second Team
Goalie: Linus Ahgren (LIN)
Defensemen: Colin Long (LIN), Chris Galgano (DEL)
Forwards: Adam Novack (OAK), Dominic Morrone (PSU), Neeco Belanger (LIN)
TYT All-Tournament Teams
First Team
Goalie: S.J. Broadt (DEL)
Defensemen: Colin Long (LIN), Jason Michaud (DEL)
Forwards: Jordan MacDonald (OAK), Adam Novack (OAK), Mark Zeszut (DEL)
Second Team
Goalie: Matt Toter (OAK)
Defensemen: Dustin Hopfner (OAK), Craig Martin (OKL)
Forwards: Bryce Johnson (PSU), Michael Longo (PSU), Spencer Bonomo (ADR)
Final Tournament Placement
1. Delaware
2. Oakland
3. Penn State
4. Lindenwood
5. Ohio
6. Minot State
7. Oklahoma
8. Adrian
9. Arizona State
10. Liberty
11. Iowa State
12. Robert Morris (IL)
13. Illinois
14. Davenport
15. Central Oklahoma
16. West Virginia
17. Rutgers
18. Kent State
19. Drexel
20. Mercyhurst
Leading Tournament Scorers
Team GP G A Pts.
Jordan MacDonald OAK 5 7 2 9
Bryce Johnson PSU 3 2 6 8
Michael Longo PSU 3 4 3 7
Adam Novack OAK 5 4 3 7
Jason Michaud DEL 4 1 6 7
Frank Matyok OAK 5 2 4 6
Spencer Bonomo ADR 2 4 1 5
Neeco Belanger LIN 3 4 1 5
Chris Volonnino DEL 4 3 2 5
Colin Long LIN 3 2 3 5
Ryan McDonald DEL 4 2 3 5
Dustin Hopfner OAK 5 2 3 5
Christian Tasker DEL 4 1 4 5
Billy Balent OAK 5 1 4 5
Chad Hudson OKL 2 3 1 4
Travis McKinney OKL 2 2 2 4
Niklas Bunnstedt LIN 3 2 2 4
Grant Gorczyca LIN 3 2 2 4
Jordan Spear ADR 2 1 3 4
Craig Martin OKL 2 1 3 4
Darrell Boldon ADR 2 1 3 4
Taylor Holstrom PSU 3 1 3 4
Steve Brancheau LIN 3 1 3 4
Brandon Johnson OAK 5 1 3 4
Leading Tournament Goalies
Team GP Rec. SH SV Pct. GAA
Justin Wisniewski KSU 1 0-0-1 65 63 .969 1.59
S.J. Broadt DEL 4 4-0-0 153 144 .941 2.01
Phil Graveline DAV 2 1-1-0 83 79 .952 2.02
Nick Clarke ILL 1 0-1-0 30 28 .933 2.43
Mark Schacker ASU 1 0-0-1 36 33 .917 2.48
Rob Borcky WVU 2 1-1-0 74 69 .932 2.50
Tory Caldwell UCO 2 1-1-0 72 66 .917 2.65
Nick Holmes OKL 2 1-0-0 50 45 .900 2.68
Matt Toter OAK 5 4-1-0 160 146 .913 2.69
P.J. Musico PSU 1 1-0-0 23 20 .870 3.00
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