Union wins NCAA hockey title, beating Minnesota 7-4

PHILADELPHIA – Union College won its first NCAA hockey title Saturday night, scoring three times in a 1:54 span in the first period in a 7-4 victory over Minnesota on Saturday night.

Mike Vecchione tied it at 2 with 4:01 left in the first, Eli Lichtenwald gave the Dutchman the lead 57 seconds later, and Daniel Ciampini capped the spree with 2:57 to go.

“I don’t think anyone will call us Cinderella anymore,” said Shayne Gostisbehere, who had a goal and two assists. “These guys, my brothers, they do everything for me. I don’t care about anything else, we’re national champions.”

Max Novak, Kevin Sullivan and Mat Bodie also scored and Colin Stevens made 36 saves for Union (32-6-4), the 2,200-student liberal arts college in Schenectady, N.Y., that competes in Division III in all other sports.

“A little bit speechless right now,” third-year coach Rick Bennett said. “Just happy for our school, for this program and the past players. It’s an unbelievable experience.”

Justin Kloos, Sam Warning, Taylor Cammarata and Hudson Fasching scored for Minnesota (28-7-6).

Adam Wilcox stopped 41 shots for the five-time champion Gophers.