What else can you say about Lindenwood roller hockey other than they are the top dog in the league. They have boasted impressive scores and stats throughout their entire season with their only loss coming in the TORHS Winter Classic tournament. That loss though not only did not count against their official record, but ultimately did not matter in the long run as they would ultimately face the same team in the championship to win said tournament.
With that being said, the D1 team was dominant in their season boasting a more than impressive 16-0 record with them winning the National Championship title to cap it all off. This is no easy feat and comes with decisive wins against massive programs like Ohio State University, who they beat 33-1 to start the season, and Grand Canyon University who they would beat 2-0 to win the National title. Lindenwood and GCU went into a three-overtime standoff in the NCRHA Division 1 championship with the Lions prevailing over GCU with 2 goals to secure the programs 13th national championship. One player who deserves special acknowledgement for his performance is the goalie, Chase Christopher. He blocked 25 shots leading to the shutout as well as being only the second goalie in the 26-year D1 championship to post such a stat in the most crucial game. He did receive First Star honors for his role and contributions.
Moving to the D2 Lindenwood Gold team, they are nothing to scoff at or dismiss either. This team was phenomenal no matter if it was a recreational tournament or in their official season. Officially they boasted an 18-0 record with wins not only other D2 competitors but also against D1 opponents such as Michigan State University and Ohio State University. They also were undefeated in their TORHS Winter Classic with the closest game coming to a 4-3 scoreline. With their title game though they faced off against Slippery Rock University, ultimately beating them 6-1, meeting their fellow Lindenwood Lions at the mountaintop of collegiate roller hockey dominance. The players to recognize with this team and win is forward Shaun Sapienza and defenseman Brett Lloyd. Sapienza earned First Star honors boasting two goals and an assist with Lloyd accompanying him on those stats and receiving Second Star honors.
Both D1 and D2 Lindenwood teams finish at the top with honestly scarily good stats against their opponents. They will 100% be the teams to watch next season as they look to defend their titles in what I am sure with be the same dominant fashion.
