The Denver Pioneers came out on top on Saturday, April 8 to win the NCAA Championship for the first time since 2005. Hat trick for sophomore Jarid Lukosevicus.
In a No. 1 versus No. 2 championship, the Denver Pioneers held on to defeat Minnesota Duluth in an exciting (and stressful) final. Back in 1993, Jim Montgomery scored three consecutive third-period goals for a hat trick that got Maine to the 1993 national championship. Montgomery was named the Frozen Four MVP. And 24 years later, Montgomery had the opportunity to watch one of his own players match his feat on the ice. Sophomore wing Jarid Lukosevicius scored three goals in the second period to bring the Pioneers to their eighth national championship win. "Incredible moment," said head coach Jim Montgomery of Lukosevicius' three goals. "I did not know that was the first hat trick (since 1993) but I'm glad I'm part of both and glad we won the championship both nights." https://twitter.com/NCAAIceHockey/status/850880887281655808 Lukosevicius went into the game as DU's fifth-leading scorer with 13 goals in 42 games. On Saturday, he broke a record and scored twice in under 16 seconds, with his hat trick unfolding in a span of seven minutes and 39 seconds – the third fastest in championship-game history. Montgomery holds the title of fastest game hat trick, doing it in four minutes and 35 seconds back in 1993. "Thanks to my line mates Troy Terry and Dylan Gambrell," said Lukosevicius. "I pretty much just stood in front of the net and got three lucky goals. 'Gams' and Troy did an incredible job and I wouldn't have scored any of those goals without those guys."
Winning this championship has been the goal of the Pioneers since they lost in the Frozen Four to North Dakota last year. "I have no words. It's unbelievable, something special," said senior center Matt Marcinew. "I just love my teammates and so happy for the seniors and Monty."
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photo courtesy of USA Today Sports[/caption]
A very exciting moment for Montgomery and his team! Congratulations, Pioneers! Very well deserved.
Featured photo courtesy of Richard T Gagnon (Getty Images).
