Oh the disappointment. This was supposed to be the year. An ACHA national title in the program’s 70th anniversary season, the ultimate crowning achievement for the Penn State Icers.

But the looks of shock and disbelief on the players faces following the game said it all. A third consecutive ESCHL title was merely a stepping stone, not the final goal for seniors Steve Thurston, John Conte, Matt Kirstein and Ryan Paradis. 90 seconds were all that stood between the Icers and a spot in the semifinals.

Central Oklahoma wasn’t supposed to put up a spirited fight. Their energy and will should have been drained in the double overtime thriller against hated rivals #7 Oklahoma just a day earlier in the first round. It was the first time they had beaten the Sooners this season. But things don’t always go according to plan.

The Icers took the lead early in the game. A Taylor Cera (Jr) goal just 2 minutes and 12 seconds into the game gave the Icers a 1-0 lead. It was a lead they would not relinquish for more than 56 minutes of the game before the Broncos took advantage of a faceoff play in the Icers zone setting up the late tying goal. Central Oklahoma’s Shawn Steggles won the draw sending the puck to defenseman Nick Novak who fired it into the Icer’s net with just 1:29 left in regulation eventually forcing overtime.

Overtime went by in a flash. Broncos’ Jonathan Cannizzo blocked an Icer’s shot inside Central Oklahoma’s zone and flew down the ice sending a shot past Ted Hume. 1:39 seconds into overtime, it was all over for the Icers.

The stats were fairly even throughout the game. Penn State Icers outshot the Broncos 40 – 32 and both teams were unable to capitalize on their power plays; 7 for the Icers, 6 for the Broncos.

Prior to the game, Icers defenseman John Conte said

“It’s what we’ve worked for, and to not win a national championship is a disappointment. I think everybody will be on the same page if you’re hurt or a little tired — they’ll do what they can to make a play.”

The Icers made their only goal clear all year, ACHA championship or bust. And their disappointment will linger long after the eventual 2010 ACHA champions are crowned, but let’s remember that this team amassed a phenomenal 32-4-2 record and a third consecutive ESCHL title, no easy feats.

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