Goalkeeper Tim Olah (center with championship plaque) and the Bears captured the programs first ECAC Championship in ten years.
NEW LONDON, CONN.--(11/16/08)--ECAC Tournament Most Outstanding Player senior James Toohey scored with 2:20 left in regulation as third-seeded Coast Guard beat top-seeded Eastern Connecticut 1-0 to capture the ECAC New England Division III Championship.
The Bears (13-8-1), who did not allow a goal in the entire tournament, win the program’s third ECAC Championship and first since 1998.
Coast Guard which got to play on its home field because the Eastern Connecticut field was unplayable, got payback as the Warriors were the only team to beat the Bears at home this season as Coast Guard finishes 10-1-1 at home. Eastern Conn. beat the Bears 1-0 on Oct. 15th.
Junior Brandon McMillan assisted on the only goal of the game, but each team had other chances.
Coast Guard's tri-captains accept the championship plaque from Steve Bamford of the ECAC.
Eastern (14-4-3), ranked 24th nationally and third in the New England, had a chance to take the lead when junior Maxim Fantl blasted one over the crossbar with 38:22 left and then with 15:46 left in regulation junior Chris Bourdeau missed high, sailing it over the cross bar.
Coast Guard also had an opportunity with 21:30 left when senior David O’Brien’s header was stopped by freshman keeper Carl Appel.
Appel finished with six saves while Coast Guard junior Tim Olah, made four saves and recorded his third straight shutout in the tournament and eighth of the season.
Eastern Conn. was making its first appearance in an ECAC Championship game since 1977.
