The NAU IceJacks are WCHC Champions after a thrilling comeback victory over UCLA in the 2023/24 Playoffs. The game had great pace from the start, with #1 NAU vs. #2 UCLA. The Bruins scored first on a rush down the right wing. NAU quickly tied it up, and it was 1-1 for a bulk of the first period, but UCLA scored again late and led 2-1 after 1. In the second period, UCLA opened their lead up to 4-1, but NAU fought back, scoring two late goals to trail 4-3 after two periods. In the third NAU tied it 4-4, but UCLA took the lead again two minutes later. NAU was able to tie the game up again, and with 10 minutes left we were tied 5-5. With under five minutes to go, UCLA was able to score on a wrist shot from the slot, and as the clock ticked down UCLA looked to have the game in control. NAU pulled the goalie to get the extra attacker, and after missing a good opportunity, fired the puck from the right half wall, it bounced through the slot and NAU fired the puck home with only two seconds left to tie the game 6-6.
The game headed to Overtime, with the teams playing five on five. Each team traded chances, but no one was able to score. In double overtime the teams played four on four, UCLA had multiple chances, controlling play in the second overtime. With under a minute to go, UCLA had a good chance to score, but the shot was blocked and bounced towards the blue line, NAU took the puck cut down the right side and fired home the winner with only 17 seconds left. NAU won the thrilling game 7-6 in Double Overtime. Congratulations to our newest WCHC Champions, NAU IceJacks!
Previous Rounds:
Round 1) In round 1, #7 UCSB beat #10 LBSU 4-1. UCSB took the lead early in the first period and never trailed, but the game was close throughout. #8 SCU beat #9 CSUF in the second game of the day by a score of 6-3. This game was back and forth through the first two periods before SCU took control and the victory in the third period.
Round 2) In round 2, #3 LMU defeated #6 CSUN, 8-5. CSUN took the early lead and LMU scored five goals in the third period to complete the comeback. The second game had #1 NAU taking on #8 SCU, who was playing shorthanded after their round 1 victory. NAU controlled the game throughout, and won 14-1. In the third game, #2 UCLA beat #7 UCSB 6-3. The game was close through the first two periods, but UCLA outlasted UCSB and took control of the game in the third. The final game of round 2 had #4 GCU lose to #5 ASU 8-4. ASU scored four first period goals, and never looked back in the only upset win of the tournament.
Round 3) In round 3, #1 NAU survived a comeback attempt from #5 ASU, winning the game in a 5 round shootout after double OT. ASU scored two late goals in the third to tie the game 3-3, both teams had good chances in the two overtimes, but in the shootout NAU scored twice and got the 4-3 victory. The second game had #2 UCLA beating #3 LMU 3-2. The Lions scored first, and led 1-0 after one. The second UCLA was able to gain a foothold and scored twice, leading 2-1 after two. In the third, the Lions were able to tie the score, but UCLA was able to score on a late rush. Despite numerous chances the Lions couldn’t tie the score, and UCLA went on to win.