Lakers fall to RMU (PA) in Finals of ECHL Championship
After defeating Niagara University and Suny-Canton by scores of 4-0 and 3-2 respectively, Mercyhurst was unable to dethrone the defending ECHL league champions from RMU (PA) losing by a score of 6-2.
The Lakers were able to keep it close for most of the game regardless of their short bench in which they had only 14 skaters due to illness, injury and exam preparation. RMU scored an early goal at the beginning of the third period making the score 3-1, which seemed to deflate the Lakers who were unable to overcome the two goal deficit. As the Lakers pressed to tie the game late in the third, RMU was able to score 2 empty net goals and secure the ECHL title for the second year in a row.
Several Mercyhurst players were voted to the ECHL All-Tournament playoff team. Leading the way for the Lakers up front was Cody Steele (Calgary, Alberta/Castlegar Rebels Jr. B) who had a phenomenal post season, scoring 3 goals and adding 3 assists for 6 points and being named as a 1st team all-tournament forward. On the back end, Adam Falkner (West Seneca, NY/Buffalo Saints) continued his stellar play between the pipes, shutting out Niagara and letting up only 6 goals on 114 shots for a .950 save% and was also named as the 1st team all-tournament goalie. Dan Wasielewski (Cheektowaga, NY/St. Francis Prep) logged considerable minutes on the point, scoring 1 goal and adding an assist and was named a 1st team all-tournament defenseman. Jeff Monnin (Orchard Park, NY/ECC via Welland Jr. B Canadians) rounded out the all-tournament team selection as a 2nd team forward having contributed 3 assists during playoffs.