2008 Woodie Awards
URI ends Golden Ram hockey season
By Matt Chandik
Issue date: 3/3/08 Section: Sports
The WCU Hockey team saw its national title hopes dashed in the first game of the Tournament Saturday night, dropping a 6-4 decision to the hands of their familiar nemesis, the University of Rhode Island Rams.
The loss ends what was statistically the greatest season in WCU history. Records were seemingly being set every game, or so it appeared.
West Chester returns nearly all of its core players next year. Leading the pack will be the two-headed monster of Jim Gehring and Pat Johnson, a duo that finished 1-2 in the national scoring race.
Gehring set numerous WCU records this season. Some of these include the single-season records for goals, assists, points, shots on goal, plus/minus and tied the record for most shorthanded goals. In addition, he was named to the All-ECHA First Team and was the ECHA Tournament MVP.
In any other year, Johnson's numbers would have shattered old records as well, but with the stiff competition from his linemate, Johnson will have to settle for second in most categories. He did, however, score a whopping 24 power play goals, blistering Gehring's record of 14 set last season. All of these stats are from before league playoffs and the national tournament. Johnson was also named to the All-ECHA First Team as well. The forward from Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, enjoyed a breakout year this year and will continue to get better in the off-season.
A nice complementary core comprising of players such as Robert Bushman, Mike Longo, Drew Mervin, Jon Hendricks and Adam Jordan all return at forward for the Rams next year. Bushman is a solid contributor who doesn't mind doing the dirty work for players like Gehring and Johnson. He doesn't always get the credit he should, but he is a vital part of the team as he does a lot of the little things right such as fighting for the puck in the corners and laying out his body to block shots.
The Rams will only lose two forwards due to graduation this year. Tom Waite departs after three years of contribution to the Rams and penalty killing ace Kenny Bergeron also leaves. Bergeron demolished many power plays during his time here at WCU, and the Rams will undoubtedly miss his presence.
The loss ends what was statistically the greatest season in WCU history. Records were seemingly being set every game, or so it appeared.
West Chester returns nearly all of its core players next year. Leading the pack will be the two-headed monster of Jim Gehring and Pat Johnson, a duo that finished 1-2 in the national scoring race.
Gehring set numerous WCU records this season. Some of these include the single-season records for goals, assists, points, shots on goal, plus/minus and tied the record for most shorthanded goals. In addition, he was named to the All-ECHA First Team and was the ECHA Tournament MVP.
In any other year, Johnson's numbers would have shattered old records as well, but with the stiff competition from his linemate, Johnson will have to settle for second in most categories. He did, however, score a whopping 24 power play goals, blistering Gehring's record of 14 set last season. All of these stats are from before league playoffs and the national tournament. Johnson was also named to the All-ECHA First Team as well. The forward from Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, enjoyed a breakout year this year and will continue to get better in the off-season.
A nice complementary core comprising of players such as Robert Bushman, Mike Longo, Drew Mervin, Jon Hendricks and Adam Jordan all return at forward for the Rams next year. Bushman is a solid contributor who doesn't mind doing the dirty work for players like Gehring and Johnson. He doesn't always get the credit he should, but he is a vital part of the team as he does a lot of the little things right such as fighting for the puck in the corners and laying out his body to block shots.
The Rams will only lose two forwards due to graduation this year. Tom Waite departs after three years of contribution to the Rams and penalty killing ace Kenny Bergeron also leaves. Bergeron demolished many power plays during his time here at WCU, and the Rams will undoubtedly miss his presence.
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