Pioneers win SECHL Championship

2010-03-08


William Paterson University Ice Hockey wins first SECHL Championship.

In only their second season in the Super East Collegiate Hockey League, the William Paterson University Ice Hockey team has won their first league championship with a 4-3 win over the rival Montclair State University at Albany County Hockey Facility.

William Paterson University, led by strong goaltending from freshman Chris Bauer and timely goals from Craig Junda, John Gomez, Chris Moser, and the game-winner from Shaun McTigue, defeated MSU for the fourth time this season, and extended their winning streak against their 8 Mile Rival to 13 games.

McTigue is no stranger to big situation goal scoring. During the 2008 ACHA Southeast Regional Playoffs, McTigure scored the game-winning goal in the fourth overtime to propel the Pioneers over Temple University, in what was the second longest game in college hockey history.

Chris Moser's goal, which made the score 3-2 in favor of the Pioneers, was a bit of a redemption goal for him. The senior forward-turned-defenseman was knocked out all of last season after a Montclair forward injured the veteran Pioneer in the first game of last season. His twin brother Dan, also recorded an assist in today's game.

The Pioneers, who previously played in the Mid-Atlantic Collegiate Hockey Association, have played in three league championship games in the past three years. In 2008, the Pioneers lost a MACHA Championship nail-biter to Wagner College. Siena College defeated the Pioneers in the SECHL Championship last season.

The third time proved to be the charm for the Pioneers with their hard-fought win today.

Along with the SECHL Championship, the Pioneers also finished as the SECHL regular season champions, clinched a berth to the National Championships as the number one seed in the Northeast Region for the first time in school history, led the Northeast Region in goals scored, and feature the goaltender with the most wins in the ACHA Division II in Chris Bauer.

Be sure to check WPUHockey.com for more information regarding the Pioneers' quest for a National championship.