D3 NCAA Tournament

[SeymoreHockey]

Cards take third place
JOHN CORYER
Press-Republican The Press Republican Sun Mar 18, 2012, 03:23 AM EDT

ROCHESTER — The Plattsburgh State women's hockey team wasn't playing in the game it was hoping for Saturday.

But the Cardinals put their disappointment aside and pulled out an exciting 4-3 overtime victory over Gustavus Adolphus in the NCAA Division III third-place game at Frank Ritter Arena.

Both the Cardinals and Gusties played a spirited game after losing in overtime to RIT and Norwich, respectively, the day before in the national semifinals.

RIT claimed the championship in Saturday's second contest.

In the third-place game, Teal Gove forced overtime for Plattsburgh (20-7-3) with nine seconds left in the third period, and Justine Fisher won it with 2:51 gone in the extra session.

The Cardinals also sent seniors Fisher, Erika Shaubel, Helen Giroux and Kylie Klassen out with a win in their final game.

Plattsburgh took a 2-1 lead into the third period.

The Gusties, however, tied it with 9:19 gone in the third. Carolyn Craayer got the puck between the circles, turned and beat Plattsburgh goalie Sydney Aveson.

Plattsburgh nearly regained the lead with 5:30 left in regulation, but Gustavus Adolphus netminder Danielle Justice stopped Jordan Caldwell on a breakaway.

The Cardinals, who were called for five penalties in the game as opposed to only one for Gustavus Adolphus, were whistled for an interference penalty with 1:33 remaining, and the Gusties (24-4-2) took advantage. Leading scorer Allie Schwab sent the puck into the net from straight on to give her team a 3-2 lead and what appeared to be a victory.

But the Cardinals pulled Aveson for an extra attacker in the final minutes, and Gove tallied with nine seconds remaining to pull Plattsburgh even. Giroux sent in a shot that bounced directly down off the post and Gove was stationed on the side of the net to tap it in.

In the 5-minute overtime, Plattsburgh had possession of the puck when it was deflected to the far side of the net, where Fisher was all alone to slide it into the open net. Caldwell and Chelsea VanGlahn assisted.

Neither team scored in the first period despite both taking 13 shots on goal.

The Cardinals had a golden opportunity to take the lead 20 seconds in when Justice stopped VanGlahn on a breakaway.

Plattsburgh, which got off to a strong start, withstood two penalties later in the stanza and also a Gracie Olson breakaway late in the period that was ruled no goal.

The Cardinals started quickly again in the second and took the lead with 1:24 gone in the period. The puck got loose in front of the Gustavus Adolphus net and Klassen tucked it into the far side.

Plattsburgh then made it 2-0 at the 8:42 mark off some tremendous pressure in the Gusties' end. Gustavus Adolphus couldn't get the puck out of their zone for what seemed to be an eternity before defensman Allison Era beat Justice to her glove side from the point.

The Gusties, who had four power plays in the first two periods as opposed to none for the Cardinals, cut their deficit in half at 10:25. Lindsey Hjelm's shot deflected off a Plattsburgh defensman and past Aveson for a power-play goal.

The Cardinals preserved their 1-goal lead by killing off a penalty that started with 52 seconds left in the second and carried over into the third.

Gustavus Adolphus finished with a 39-35 advantage in shots on goal. Aveson, who had a strong post season for the Cardinals, stopped 36 of 39 shots. Justice made 31 saves 35 shots for the Gusties, who had as many losses over the weekend as they did up until then.

Championship RIT 4, Norwich 1
Kourtney Kunichika scored a goal and assisted on three others as top-ranked and host RIT captured its first Division III women's hockey national title in the only game this weekend that didn't go into overtime.

Celeste Brown added a goal and two assists for the Tigers (28-1-1), who scored three third-period goals after the two teams entered the period tied at 1-all.

Brown gave RIT a 2-1 lead just 1:23 into the third. Kunichika made it 3-1 at 8:39, and Ali Hills closed out the scoring at the 11:59 mark.

Laura Chamberlain stopped 27-of-28 shots in net for the Tigers.

RIT's Kristina Moss opened the scoring with a power-play goal at 9:06 of the first period before Jacqueline Perez answered for the Cadets (27-3-1) at the 14:47 mark.

The opening stanza was filled with penalties, seven in all, and Norwich failed to take advantage of some power-play opportunities.

The Tigers, who were outshot by a 13-8 margin in the first, outgunned the Cadets by a 12-4 edge in a scoreless second.

Kelly Fisk stopped 28-of-32 shots in the Norwich nets.

The Tigers gained revenge for a 5-2 loss last year to the Cadets in the national title contest.

-

Third-place game

Plattsburgh 4,

Gustavus Adolphus 3, OT

Score by periods:

Plattsburgh 0 2 1 1 — 4

Gustavus Adolphus 0 1 2 0 — 3

First period- no scoring.

Second period- 1, PSU, Klassen (Rutherford, Kistner), 1:24. 2, PSU, Era (Kistner, Favretto), 8:42.

3, GA, Hjelm ppg (Carroll, Schwab), 10:25.

Third period- 4, GA, Craayer (Kennedy), 9:19. 5, GA, Schwab ppg (Cartony), 18:56. 6, PSU, Gove (Giroux), 19:51.

Overtime- 7, PSU, Fisher (Caldwell, VanGlahn), 2:51.

Shots on goal:

Plattsburgh 13 9 11 2 — 35

Gustavus Adolphus 13 11 14 1 — 39

Goaltenders (shots-saves): Aveson, PSU, 39-36. Justice, GA, 35-31

Power plays (goals-opportunities): Plattsburgh, 0-1. Gustavus Adolphus 2-5.

—

Championship

RIT 4, Norwich 1

Score by periods:

Norwich 1 0 0 — 1

RIT 1 0 3 — 4

First period- 1, RIT, Moss ppg (Kunichika, Schlattman), 9:06. 2, Nor, Perez (Invernizzi, Guay), 14:47.

Second period- no scoring.

Third period- 3, RIT, Brown (Kunichika), 1:23. 4, RIT, Kunichika (Brown), 8:39. 5, RIT, Hills (Kunichika, Brown), 11:59.

Shots on goal:

Norwich 13 4 11 — 28

RIT 8 12 12 — 32

Goaltenders (shots-saves): Fisk, Nor, 32-28. Chamberlain, RIT, 28-27.

[Phil D. Stands]

Wow...those were some exciting games. I agree that the disallowed goal Friday night against RIT should have been a good goal -- but you sure can't see it in real time or slow-mo replay and the ref called what he saw -- he should have consulted with goal judge. The disallowed goal Saturday against Plattsburgh was rather shameless and the quickest whistle for no apparent reason. I guess for Platty those two even out -- although I bet they would rather have the first one back. What kills me is that GAC played extremely well and looks good for next year too but that the 10 seconds left goal was allowed when their player was sitting in the crease on Justice's lap for the shot and Gove's tap in....just doesn't make sense with all the other disallowed goals why you allow that one. But great job to all the women! Couldn't have asked for more excitement Friday and Saturday with overtime too!!!! Money's worth and then some.

[LtPowers]

I will say I was surprised that Fisk got the Goalie slot on the All-Tournament team over Aveson (Chamberlain was MOP and thus apparently ineligible for the All-Tournament team). Fisk allowed seven goals on the weekend, including three late in a previously tied game in the final, while Aveson kept her team close and into overtime in both of her games, allowing only four goals. Plus RIT ended up with only two players (plus Chamberlain) on the All-Tournament squad, which struck me as unusual.

Still, a great tournament and a great way for RIT to end their D-III days. I hope when the tournament moves to a neutral site that the energy level and fan interest can be maintained.


Powers &8^]

[PrezdeJohnson09]

I will say I was surprised that Fisk got the Goalie slot on the All-Tournament team over Aveson (Chamberlain was MOP and thus apparently ineligible for the All-Tournament team). Fisk allowed seven goals on the weekend, including three late in a previously tied game in the final, while Aveson kept her team close and into overtime in both of her games, allowing only four goals. Plus RIT ended up with only two players (plus Chamberlain) on the All-Tournament squad, which struck me as unusual.

Still, a great tournament and a great way for RIT to end their D-III days. I hope when the tournament moves to a neutral site that the energy level and fan interest can be maintained.


Powers &8^]

Yeah the All-Tournament team was a bit of a mystery.

They never consulted any of the four SIDs and just picked it themselves.

Personally I thought Celeste Brown got the biggest shaft and I would have picked kunichika for most outstanding player. She did have a hand in all four goals.

I really hope both the D3 men and women national committees take a strong look at combining the championships in Lake Placid next season. Great exposure for D3 getting eight teams together for three incredible days of hockey and 7 games.

I've tried to get the bug planted in the women's committee's ear.

[gojackets]

Plattsburgh 4
Gustavus 3
OT

Third straight OT game...great tournament games so far!!
Western futility continues.

Gustavus futility continues...they really should just bow out gracefully next year and give someone else a shot.


I wouldn't be too arrogant, and go buy the ref that blew her whistle early a present. Plattsburgh needs things gift wrapped to win. 5 minute major in the quarterfinals and a disallowed goal that would have made them lose the game.


Its really too bad that Gustavus couldn't have pulled one of these overtime games out. I would think the eastern folks would be a little more humble about the fact that all 3 games involving east/west matchups this year were pretty much even right up til the end. Norwich easily could have gone done Friday, and Plattsburgh was given the gift.

[SeymoreHockey]

Gustavus futility continues...they really should just bow out gracefully next year and give someone else a shot.


I wouldn't be too arrogant, and go buy the ref that blew her whistle early a present. Plattsburgh needs things gift wrapped to win. 5 minute major in the quarterfinals and a disallowed goal that would have made them lose the game.


Its really too bad that Gustavus couldn't have pulled one of these overtime games out. I would think the eastern folks would be a little more humble about the fact that all 3 games involving east/west matchups this year were pretty much even right up til the end. Norwich easily could have gone done Friday, and Plattsburgh was given the gift.

Yeah, yeah, yeah...and Platty got shafted on a goal no call in game one too that might have put them in the championship game...woulda, coulda, shoulda...it happens every year...time for golf...see ya next year....maybe.

[Phil D. Stands]

Yeah, yeah, yeah...and Platty got shafted on a goal no call in game one too that might have put them in the championship game...woulda, coulda, shoulda...it happens every year...time for golf...see ya next year....maybe.

Well, before you get too "tee'd" off...you have to admit that the hockey gods have a sense of balance by giving Platty back a lot of what they got shafted for last year...and then they got to play for the rest so there aren't any real gifts, just more opportunities. Norwich nailed theirs last year, and RIT nailed theirs this year. I am sure GAC will be back and if RIT isn't around to command a venue and #1 seed then it will be up to one of those remaining 3's to lose.

[Eagletrack]

I hope RIT takes their refs with them.

[RIT Fan]

I hope RIT takes their refs with them.

Norwich was 0 for 7 on the PP, Plattsburgh was 0 for 5 on the PP against RIT. I wouldn't say RIT was getting any favors out there this weekend.
I've never seem the 2 refs that did the NU/GAC and Platty/GAC, and am glad we didn't have them. The refs for the final game called it very tight in the first, but in the end I thought they called what needed to be called.

Overall, what a weekend. ALL FOUR teams should be extremely proud of the games they played. All four games were very exciting to watch. Congratulations to all of the young ladies this weekend.

[WestsideTigersFan]

Yes, I (everybody) knows all of that. But my answer is still 100% correct (at least today). There are reasons it isn't official and I'm sure I don't know most of them, but as you said all indicators are that it will be soon.

Soon as in 10am tomorrow.


All 4 teams played some tremendous hockey this weekend. It was an awesome event for DIII women's hockey in general, and specifically for RIT a wonderful way to finish the DIII chapter of the program's history. They went out there and got it done. Pure and simple, no excuses, hard nosed, gritty hockey. Plattsburgh and Norwich were worthy opponents and they should hold their heads up high, they have nothing to be ashamed of whatsoever. But I am proud to see a national championship trophy in the case at the Ritter for the women.

[jerrynu26]

Norwich was 0 for 7 on the PP, Plattsburgh was 0 for 5 on the PP against RIT. I wouldn't say RIT was getting any favors out there this weekend.
I've never seem the 2 refs that did the NU/GAC and Platty/GAC, and am glad we didn't have them. The refs for the final game called it very tight in the first, but in the end I thought they called what needed to be called.

Overall, what a weekend. ALL FOUR teams should be extremely proud of the games they played. All four games were very exciting to watch. Congratulations to all of the young ladies this weekend.

Not sure they meant the ones that were called, but perhpas the ones that were not called.

My beef, same as in the men's games, is that the NCAA suddenly decides a 4 referee systems is best for the NCAA rounds, after a 3 ref system all year. In my opinion, the refs are both underprepared and inexperienced in that format.

[OnMAA]

Not sure they meant the ones that were called, but perhpas the ones that were not called.

My beef, same as in the men's games, is that the NCAA suddenly decides a 4 referee systems is best for the NCAA rounds, after a 3 ref system all year. In my opinion, the refs are both underprepared and inexperienced in that format.

If they used D1 crews, they would have been familiar. (Someone indicated they had never seen this Crew). ECAC D1 runs with a 4 Ref system all year.

[PrezdeJohnson09]

If they used D1 crews, they would have been familiar. (Someone indicated they had never seen this Crew). ECAC D1 runs with a 4 Ref system all year.

Both referees in the Third Place game and in the Norwich/Gustavus game were from the West. Not sure if they worked D-III games or D-I out there.

[Eagletrack]

Yes, I meant the glaring penalties that went uncalled.

[statusquo]

Gustavus futility continues...they really should just bow out gracefully next year and give someone else a shot.


I wouldn't be too arrogant, and go buy the ref that blew her whistle early a present. Plattsburgh needs things gift wrapped to win. 5 minute major in the quarterfinals and a disallowed goal that would have made them lose the game.


Its really too bad that Gustavus couldn't have pulled one of these overtime games out. I would think the eastern folks would be a little more humble about the fact that all 3 games involving east/west matchups this year were pretty much even right up til the end. Norwich easily could have gone done Friday, and Plattsburgh was given the gift.

Well, I was there, and Aveson had the puck, she never lost it, and the ref didn't see it. She blew the whistle, end of story. In the quarters against Middlebury, Middlebury was given an almost two minute 5x3.....was that not a gift? In game one vs. RIT, Fisher had the puck on her stick, in front of the goalie, and the whistle blew, because "the ref lost sight of it". In my very biased, yet honest opinion, Plattsburgh was hosed this weekend, because RIT was supposed to win...for two reasons. They were hosting, and they were going to make this earth shattering big announcement that they were going DI next year. How would the NCAA look, if an at large team, beat the host team in the semi-finals, a team that has been approved to move to DI? I think it would have made them look stupid. Therefore they insured that this did not happen. How else can you explain the no-goal, even after being reviewed, which by all accounts was a goal, to be waived off?
Is this sour grapes? Yep! Absolutely, and I think deservedly so.
Regarding East vs. West....Plattsburgh had to kill off 5 penalties, while GAC only had to kill off one. Plattsburgh's shots on goal were only four less than GAC, despite being a player down for 10 minutes. Plattsburgh dominated GAC 5x5 and the two power play goals by GAC being the difference in this being close vs. this being a train wreck of a game for GAC. Also, how much of a gift was the "interference" penalty in the final 90 seconds of the game for GAC??? Interference??? Really??? That happens ALL THE TIME. and to call it at that point of the game was a big, big box wrapped with a big red bow!!! Plattsburgh found a way to overcome and tie it up, and win it in OT. What gifts exactly are you talking about?

[Mr. Kitty]

Well, I was there, and Aveson had the puck, she never lost it, and the ref didn't see it. She blew the whistle, end of story. In the quarters against Middlebury, Middlebury was given an almost two minute 5x3.....was that not a gift? In game one vs. RIT, Fisher had the puck on her stick, in front of the goalie, and the whistle blew, because "the ref lost sight of it". In my very biased, yet honest opinion, Plattsburgh was hosed this weekend, because RIT was supposed to win...for two reasons. They were hosting, and they were going to make this earth shattering big announcement that they were going DI next year. How would the NCAA look, if an at large team, beat the host team in the semi-finals, a team that has been approved to move to DI? I think it would have made them look stupid. Therefore they insured that this did not happen. How else can you explain the no-goal, even after being reviewed, which by all accounts was a goal, to be waived off?
Is this sour grapes? Yep! Absolutely, and I think deservedly so.
Regarding East vs. West....Plattsburgh had to kill off 5 penalties, while GAC only had to kill off one. Plattsburgh's shots on goal were only four less than GAC, despite being a player down for 10 minutes. Plattsburgh dominated GAC 5x5 and the two power play goals by GAC being the difference in this being close vs. this being a train wreck of a game for GAC. Also, how much of a gift was the "interference" penalty in the final 90 seconds of the game for GAC??? Interference??? Really??? That happens ALL THE TIME. and to call it at that point of the game was a big, big box wrapped with a big red bow!!! Plattsburgh found a way to overcome and tie it up, and win it in OT. What gifts exactly are you talking about?

someone can't wait till next year (does Platty lose anyone of note?)...sounds like they'd like another crack at it

[Tweedle Dee]

Well, I was there, and Aveson had the puck, she never lost it, and the ref didn't see it. She blew the whistle, end of story. In the quarters against Middlebury, Middlebury was given an almost two minute 5x3.....was that not a gift? In game one vs. RIT, Fisher had the puck on her stick, in front of the goalie, and the whistle blew, because "the ref lost sight of it". In my very biased, yet honest opinion, Plattsburgh was hosed this weekend, because RIT was supposed to win...for two reasons. They were hosting, and they were going to make this earth shattering big announcement that they were going DI next year. How would the NCAA look, if an at large team, beat the host team in the semi-finals, a team that has been approved to move to DI? I think it would have made them look stupid. Therefore they insured that this did not happen. How else can you explain the no-goal, even after being reviewed, which by all accounts was a goal, to be waived off?
Is this sour grapes? Yep! Absolutely, and I think deservedly so.
Regarding East vs. West....Plattsburgh had to kill off 5 penalties, while GAC only had to kill off one. Plattsburgh's shots on goal were only four less than GAC, despite being a player down for 10 minutes. Plattsburgh dominated GAC 5x5 and the two power play goals by GAC being the difference in this being close vs. this being a train wreck of a game for GAC. Also, how much of a gift was the "interference" penalty in the final 90 seconds of the game for GAC??? Interference??? Really??? That happens ALL THE TIME. and to call it at that point of the game was a big, big box wrapped with a big red bow!!! Plattsburgh found a way to overcome and tie it up, and win it in OT. What gifts exactly are you talking about?

The net was knocked off the moorings as stated by the ref. If RIT knocked it off then by my estimation the goal would of counted. So with the goal being waved it must mean Plattsburgh knocked it off, thus causing the no goal. Granted the fact they even reviewed it surprised me and that is only because I didn't realize they could do that in DIII. And for the record I love sour grape conspiracy theorists.

[statusquo]

The net was knocked off the moorings as stated by the ref. If RIT knocked it off then by my estimation the goal would of counted. So with the goal being waved it must mean Plattsburgh knocked it off, thus causing the no goal. Granted the fact they even reviewed it surprised me and that is only because I didn't realize they could do that in DIII. And for the record I love sour grape conspiracy theorists.

Have you looked at the replay? RIT knocked it off ...but that really doesn't matter because the puck was behind the line BEFORE it was knocked off... The goal official turned on the light BEFORE the goal gets knocked off. There is actually footage looking down onto the net, showing the puck in over the line and the net intact. This is where the conspiracy theory comes from.....

[Tweedle Dee]

Have you looked at the replay? RIT knocked it off ...but that really doesn't matter because the puck was behind the line BEFORE it was knocked off... The goal official turned on the light BEFORE the goal gets knocked off. There is actually footage looking down onto the net, showing the puck in over the line and the net intact. This is where the conspiracy theory comes from.....

Not according to the ref and what he says goes. And no I haven't seen a replay since I didn't know the video was still up. Then again I was at the game so didn't feel the need to look up any video. Ignorance is bliss.

[statusquo]

Not according to the ref and what he says goes. And no I haven't seen a replay since I didn't know the video was still up. Then again I was at the game so didn't feel the need to look up any video. Ignorance is bliss.

I also was at the game, but I guess you don't care to review the call because the terrible call favored your team. Here is the link http://www.ncaa.com/video/archive/icehockey-women, so you don't have to be blissful anymore... Once you get to the video page, you will have to scroll down to the RIT/Plattsburgh highlights. It was a joke of a decision, actually proving my point that RIT was supposed to advance to the championship game, no matter what. Just my conspiracy theory... And to clarify, the footage from above is conveniently NOT on the NCAA website, but I can definately get it. And after looking at the replay again, I was mistaken is saying that the the goal light comes on before the net gets knocked off. But the light comes on after RIT knocks the net off, not Plattsburgh. So by your own admission, it should have been a goal.