COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.—Freshman Nick Davis scored during the second overtime Saturday afternoon, and Regis won its first state ice hockey championship with a 3-2 victory over Battle Mountain at the World Arena.
Davis, a forward, charged the net and redirected a shot by Greg Davis past Battle Mountain goaltender Kalen Burnett for the game winner.
Regis coach Dan Woodley had a hunch Davis would come through for the Raiders (20-1-1) because the youngster has good instincts and is calm when he has the puck.
“We’ve had fourth liners, third liners, second liners, and first liners score all year long,” Davis said. “We’ve had guys come off the bench one shift a game and get a good play. It just was really a great team effort.”
“For Nick to have the composure to step in and get the puck to the net was absolutely remarkable,” Woodley said.
After failing to convert on the power play earlier in the second overtime, Woodley stressed the need for his team get more shots on net.
“On the bench I was thinking to myself we’re not going to score if we keep working it around the outside and losing the puck,” he said.
Regis goalie David Nowicki regained his composure after giving up the tying goal with 6:36 left in regulation to Geoff Funk of Battle Mountain (20-3).
Nowicki stopped Battle Mountain’s best opportunity to win the game during a power-play breakaway by Gustav Philipson in the first overtime.
Near the end of the period, Nowicki withstood another barrage.
“I knew that as long as I stayed strong, I knew my team would do the work,” Nowicki said. “They were doing great in the offensive zone getting shots and getting chances. I’m just glad that they came through.”
Regis outshot Battle Mountain 35-23 in the game.
———
On the Net
Colorado High School activities Association:
———
Information from: The Gazette,
