Buffalo wins the NECHL title in double overtime

Last nights semi final action set up the two best teams in the conference for a great game, and despite a lopsided start Buffalo and Niagara did not disappoint. The Bulls overtime win eliminates the frustration of two close losses to Niagara in league play this season.

Niagara entered the NECHL title game not only undefeated against Buffalo but perfect in league play and coming off of a shutout against Binghamton. They opened up with a blistering 4-0 first period made an NECHL title seem like a foregone conclusion. Buffalo had other ideas.

Ben "Nitro" Lantz got to be a hero in UB's second straight post season game. Last night it was a hat trick to down Oswego. Tonight it was not only a hat trick but his third goal came at the tail end of UB's late four goal comback to tie the contest at at let in the third period.

The other hero was Chris Covel who slid one past the Niagara Net-minder about half way through the games second overtime. After losing two games by a total of three goals UB finally had their elusive win over rival Niagara and they did it in the a game that mattered more than any other.

It was a the seniors who lifted this team, scoring 7 of the teams goals begging the question what happens next season, and unfortunately despite winning it's that time of year.

ACHA tournament is made up of at large teams and regular season league champs. Buffalo came out of the regular season ranked 21st in the country and second in the NECHL. So this was the last game for Craig Meany, Gavin Ingster, Ben Lantz, Ryan Scall, Scott Mack, Chris Covel, Matthew Ganci, Kevin Mahoney, and Matthew Bradley.