Norwich topples Trinity 4-1 for 4th NCAA title

UTICA, N.Y. - William Pelletier's empty-net goal in the final minute was the icing on the cake for the Norwich University men's hockey team as it clinched a 4-1 win over Trinity in the NCAA Division III championship game on Saturday night.

The crown is the fourth in program history for the Cadets (27-1-3), who finished the season on a 25-game unbeaten streak to set a program record. The championship is their first since 2010.

Anthony Flaherty's goal 1:38 into the second period gave Norwich the initial lead, but Tyler Whitney equalized at 5:04 for Trinity (21-7-3).

The Cadets' eventual game-winner came courtesy of Todd Jackson barely three minutes later. The freshman forward launched a one-man rush up the right boards before cruising in on goal and beating Alex Morin (31 saves).

Paul Russell found the back of the net at 6:19 of the third to provide Norwich some insurance, while Ty Reichenbach kept the Bantams off the board the rest of the way. Reichenbach finished the night with 35 saves, including a pair of crucial stops late in regulation.

Pelletier's empty-netter meant seven Cadets notched a point in the championship victory, with Kevin Salvucci, TJ Dockery and Nich Pichette adding assists.

Norwich outlasted Adrian 5-4 in overtime on Friday night to earn its spot in the final.

The Cadets only loss of the year came in overtime against Skidmore on Nov. 18.