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| Hobart athletics photo by Kevin Colton |
Kahlil Fontana scored with 1:36 remaining in overtime to give the Hobart hockey team its third consecutive Division III men's hockey national championship, defeating Utica 2-1. For his heroics, Fontana was named the Tournament's Most Outstanding Player. Junior goaltender Damon Beaver made a season-high 39 saves to earn his Hobart record 53rd career win, earning a spot on the All-Tournament Team. Easton Ryan, Matthew Iasenza and Calum Chau also represented the Statesmen on the All-Tournament Team.
Following a hard forecheck from junior Ignat Belov, Fontana broke up a clearing pass, deked around the goalie and slipped a shot into the back of the net. It was his 10th goal of the season.
For just the second time this season, Hobart entered the third period trailing, but Easton Ryan equalized with 11:23 remaining in regulation.
Eric Vitale had the goal for the Pioneers (24-5-2 overall). Ryan Piros played every minute in goal for Utica and made 44 saves. Vitale and Piros represented Utica on the all-tournament team.
Utica had a great look just four minutes into overtime, as the Pioneers had a breakaway. Johnny Mulera's shot from the slot beat Beaver but clanged off the left goal post. Moments later, Piros answered with an amazing save on both Fontana and Chau.
Hobart ended the season with a 29-1-1 overall record, and is the first team to win three straight national titles since Middlebury did so in 2004-06. Middlebury also won five straight titles from 1995-99. UW-Stevens Point is the only other program to win three consecutive titles in Division III history, from 1989-91.