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Printer-Friendly ModeHockey wraps up season with loss in national tourney
March 17, 2008 —
The Cardinals club hockey team fell short of the national title this year, but managed to place 10th in the national tournament in Minnesota this past week. They completed their season with a 22-11 overall record.
"We could have played better because we probably only played our best for five periods," assistant captain Brian Jensen said. "But we ended the season on a high note. We ended with a win and it was the way we wanted."
Competing in and winning the regional tournament in Saginaw enabled the team to go on to play four games in the national tournament in Rochester, Minn. It was their first opportunity to compete on a national level.
The Cardinals lost in the first round to Albany 3-1 but returned with a win the next day, 6-2 against Dordt College.
"We did well but not good enough," assistant captain Jake Trombley said. "You can't have a bad period in nationals and we had a couple. That ruined it for us."
Sophomore forward Jon Tibaudo helped the team gain an early lead with the first two goals of the game against Dordt. Freshman forward Chris Tibaudo scored the third at 11:36 in the second period assisted by junior forward Matt Fogal. Freshmen forwards Kaleb Grapp and Brandon Clary scored the fourth and fifth goals followed by the final and sixth from sophomore defenseman Pat Miller.
Senior goalie Kevin Moore saved 32 shots. He ended the season and his senior year being 4-0 when starting.
"We played pretty good when needed," Moore said. "In the second game we came back strong and we all had a good game."
With it being his last game with the Cardinals, Moore commented on his experience with SVSU hockey.
"Overall it's been a good experience and added a little more to college besides school work."
Senior goalie Brad Altenbernt also played his last game with the Cardinals and reflected on the season and the team's accomplishments.
"I'm thankful to all the guys for giving me the opportunity to go to nationals my senior year," he said.
After losing to the University of Tennessee 8-4, Saginaw finished their season with a 3-2 win over Calvin College, putting them in the 10th place position overall. They didn't get the national title they had their eye on but said they were satisfied with the goals they achieved.
"We plan on building off this season," Trombley said, looking towards next season. "We'll keep rolling and keep the same goal to win nationals, now that we know what it's like."
Jensen agreed, satisfied with the team's overall performance during the season.
"I think that it went real well seeing it's a second-year program," he said. "Going to nationals and placing 10th is a place where we want to be."