Rob Rigg scored the winning goal at the 3:56 mark of the first overtimeon assists from Brian Coakley and Mike Phalen. Rigg's goalcapped a unbelievable run through the playoffs, as Hamilton won two of theirgames in sudden death.
"It was a two-on-one and the defenseman went to the other player," Riggsaid. I shot it on the blocker side. The rebound was just kind of sittingout there and I just put it in."
Sophomore netminder Brent Davey, who stopped 23 Camel shots and allowedon five goals in the playoffs, was named the tournament's MVP. Daveyexemplified the type of play that Hamilton exhibited in the playoffs,especially playing back-to-back games Friday and Saturday.
"These guys continually matured and got stronger and better," Hamilton headcoach Phil Grady said. "We really outworked both our opponents(Connecticut College and semifinal opponent Salem State) and fortunately thisone went our way.
Hamilton fell behind 1-0 at the 13:14 mark of the second period, but tied thegame on a Chris Baudo power-play goal just 14 seconds into the thirdperiod, but for the next 23 minutes, Davey and Camel goalie Matt Proulx(42 saves) took over.
"Their goalie played just an amazing game," Rigg added. "It was an evengame throughout--we were just luck enough to come out on top."
Hamilton finished their season with an 16-8-3 record, including a 11-2-1 markin their last 14 games and Rigg and his teammates are ready to build onthe late-season push.
"It's (winning for the seniors) a special feeling. This program has beenaround forever, so to finally win one is great. To get to the nationals, that'sdefinitely the goal for next year."
