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The West Virginia University Hockey Club has faced much adversity in it's efforts to rebuild it's off-ice and on-ice product. Many of it's frustrations have centered around several close games with former TSCHL foe Cincinnati in which the team outshot and outplayed the Bearcats only to fall by close scores. Times have certainly changed.

West Virginia University rallied from three goals down to secure a 6-5 win over Cincinnati to win the annual University of North Carolina Jim Sapikowski Memorial Tournament.

West Virginia University let a lead slip away before eventually digging out of a three hole to pick up the win. West Virginia University took a 1-0 advantage on a goal by an inspired Matt Strober at 17 seconds in the first period. Then Cincinnati took control. West Virginia University went down 4-1 after Cincinnati's Max Hageman continued his production of recent years gainst WVU and put the puck home at 14:52 in the first period. The game was firmly in the Bearcats hands in the 1st when Sebastian Dziadowicz took a feed from Jason Conroy, who made a great individual effort in powering by the Cincy defensman, and buried the puck to bring the Mountaineers back within 2. 

Starting the 2nd period. WVU continued to scratch and claw and eventually, Brian Dickman made it a 1 goal game with a turn around shot that beat Cormier. Dickman is one of the young players that has felt the frustrations against Cincinnati and has exemplified the club turn around this season. There was certainly more to come from #9 this day. Cincinnati then regained the 2 goal lead by converting on a power play and the frustration was looking to return. However, with 3 seconds on the clock, Trey Benincosa and Sean Meyer outworked and outhustled the Bearcat defense to set up Benincosa's goal and send the teams to the ice cut separated by a lone goal. #3 and #16 have been the Senior catalysts of this young and exciting team. Shifts like this have shown proven leadership as well as proving that youth does not equal losses. The teams went to the ice cut wondering if the next momentum shift would determine the outcome. Not only did it determine the outcome, it made for one of the most thrilling and exciting finishes in club history. 

The 3rd period began as both teams were looking to make the other blink. Goaltender Tim Brei thwarted any Cincy attempt to lock the game up and allowed the Mountaineer offense to open up and pummle the Cincinnati netminder Cormier with 30 shots. Cincinnati seemed poised to eke out another close finish behind stellar goaltending and bend, don't break defense. The Mountaineers had other plans as they relentlessly attacked the Cincinnati zone and upped the tempo by putting on a backchecking clinic. The tensions were high as all in attendance waited for the next big play. Finally, Ryan Agner provided the drama building moment as he made a daring rush to the Cincinnati end and fired a wrister past Cormier to tie the game and add even more tension to an already exciting matchup. Both teams went back and forth, burning up the ice with speed, skill and physicality looking for a bounce and to be the hero for this day. The final buzzer was far from over but the stage was set for the climactic moment and the hero reveals himself. With 3:43 left in the contest, Brian Dickman donned the hero's cape and buried a beautiful feed from Ryan Agner to give the Mountaineers their first lead since 20 seconds into the contest. As the WVU bench erupted into hysterics, the Bearcats had one more opportunity. While the Mountaineers and Bearcats battled for puck possesion in all three zones the referee staked his claim for hero, as the official made a questionable and controversial call with 50 seconds remaining by punishing Dickman for completely outworking his man for the puck in the neutral zone. As if hearing the bell to begin the final round of a championship fight, the Fantastic Foursome of Trey Benincosa, Sean Meyer, Kenny Knoll, and Tyler Richardson denied any opportunity for the 6 Bearcat skaters to gain a shot and blocked 3 scoring attempts to keep Cincy off the board. With 1 second remaining, Tim Brei put his stamp on the win by making a breathtaking stop on a Cincinnati player as time expired. As the WVU players stormed the ice in triumph, Head Coach Brian Boehm couldn't help but reflect on the significance of winning a championship over Cincinnati; "With as close as we have come to beating this team recently, it was a very important benchmark for these players to attain". He added, "This is the next step in the continued evolution of this team and will be a source of pride for this group moving forward the next few years. They will be a special group to watch the next few years". 

With three goals and two assists between them, Agner and Dickman teamed up to power West Virginia University's offense. Agner registered one goal and two assists and Dickman also added two goals.For his efforts over the weekend, Brian Dickman was awarded the Tournament MVP. 

Cincinnati was led by Damien Lona, who racked up two goals and one assist. Lona scored the first of his two goals at 2:56 into the first period to make the score 1-1. Gabriel Parini picked up the assist. Lona's next tally made the score 2-1 Cincinnati with 11:12 left in the first period. Parini provided the assist. Nick Kleinwaechter also scored for Cincinnati. More assists for Cincinnati came via William Naber, Taylor Penman, Matthew Lindley, and Jack Jander, who contributed one each.

Timothy Brei rejected 45 shots on goal for West Virginia University. West Virginia University ended with no penalties and went 0-for-0 on the power play. Colin Cormier made 60 saves for Cincinnati on 66 shots. Cincinnati avoided the penalty box for the entire game and scored zero goals off of zero power plays.

The boys are back in action Friday, December 4 at 9:30 PM in Morgantown in a rematch with Eastern Kentucky.