Photo: Quinnipiac Men’s Hockey
Saturday night was the much-anticipated showdown between the #1 Minnesota Golden Gophers and the #2 Quinnipiac Bobcats in the final of the 2023 NCAA Frozen Four. The matchup included two Washington Capitals prospects, defenseman Ryan Chesley of the Golden Gophers, and goaltender Chase Clark of the Bobcats.
Clark, a 6’-6” freshman goaltender at Quinnipiac, was drafted by the Capitals in the sixth round (#183 overall) of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. Chesley, a 6’-0″ right-shot defenseman in his rookie season with the Golden Gophers, was the Capitals’ second-round pick (#37 overall) in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft.
GAME RECAP
John Mittelstadt, older brother of Thursday night’s hero, Luke Mittelstadt, opened the scoring for Minnesota at 5:35 of the first period. Connor Furth intercepted a pass at center ice, entered the Bobcats zone, eventually dishing to Mittelstadt in the crease, who then buried the puck for a 1-0 Gophers lead.
MORE MITTELSTADT MAGIC pic.twitter.com/ZEStBNrNx1
— Minnesota Men’s Hockey (@GopherHockey) April 9, 2023
The Gophers increased their lead to 2-0 at 4:24 of the second period when Jaxon Nelson dented the twine. Defenseman Brock Faber fired a shot off the end boards. The puck then caromed towards Nelson who finished for the Gophers second tally of the night.
NELLY BABY pic.twitter.com/gR7XjUtbhA
— Minnesota Men’s Hockey (@GopherHockey) April 9, 2023
Three minutes later, at 7:41, the Bobcats finally got on the board when Christoph Tellier dented the twine, getting an assist from Zach Metsa.
Pucks 👏 On 👏 Net#BobcatNation x #MFrozenFour pic.twitter.com/156LcSNxvt
— Quinnipiac Men’s Ice Hockey (@QU_MIH) April 9, 2023
In the third period, Minnesota took a late penalty and just seconds after the penalty was killed and with Quinnipiac goaltender Yaniv Perets pulled for an extra attacker, Collin Graf of the Bobcats scored, tying the game 2-2 at 17:13.
TIE GAME. TIE GAME. TIE GAME. WE’RE GOING TO OVERTIME.
📺 ESPN2#MFrozenFour x @QU_MIH pic.twitter.com/7q792PkCe3
— NCAA Ice Hockey (@NCAAIceHockey) April 9, 2023
Regulation ended in a 2-2 tie, sending the final to sudden death overtime.
Just ten seconds after the overtime period began, Jacob Quillen scored to give Quinnipiac their first ever National Championship. It is the school’s first NCAA national championship in any sport.
BOBCATS WIN!!!! BOBCATS ARE NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!!!!
📺 ESPN2#MFrozenFour x @QU_MIH pic.twitter.com/tN2CjZEJjP
— NCAA Ice Hockey (@NCAAIceHockey) April 9, 2023
As for the Capitals prospects, Chesley was kept off the scoresheet in this game. He had one shot on goal, blocked two shots and was a +1.
Get the scissors out!#BobcatNation x #NCAAHockey pic.twitter.com/e9sC6l0vld
— Quinnipiac Men’s Ice Hockey (@QU_MIH) April 9, 2023
Clark, backup goaltender for Quinnipiac, did not get in the game, as Yaniv Perets, one of the best goaltenders in the NCAA, played the entire game.
YOU DID IT @QU_MIH #MFrozenFour pic.twitter.com/CkcSphEOkX
— NCAA Ice Hockey (@NCAAIceHockey) April 9, 2023
By Diane Doyle
Further Reading
Capitals Prospects Ryan Chesley, Chase Clark, Advance to Frozen Four Final
Capitals College Credits: March Madness on Ice
Capitals College Credits: Gucciardi Goals, Gibson Backstops Beanpot Finals, and Other February Happenings
Capitals Prospects Set To Do Battle In NCAA Tournament
Capitals College Credits: Ryan Chesley Wins Bronze, Mitchell Gibson Named to Richter Award Watch, and Other January Happenings
Capitals College Credits: Mitchell Gibson Continues Strong Play, Ryan Chesley Records First Goal
Capitals College Credits: Mitchell Gibson Remains Undefeated, Brent Johnson Scores First Of The Season
Capitals’ Collegiate Prospects Start Their 2022-23 Season
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