Nichols Defeats Appleby in Three, Advances to CISAA Finals

For the first time since 2004, Nichols hockey is taking its game to the CISAA finals thanks to a 4-1 victory tonight to win the best-of-three series with Appleby 2 games to one.

Game 1 took place last Wednesday at Nichols, with Appleby leaving with the first game under their belt after a 2-0 victory. The Appleby goaltending was difficult to beat, but Appleby's defensive style paid dividends as they capitalized on two offensive zone turnovers for goals. Brandon Mueller finished the game with 24 saves.

Game 2 was do-or-die for Nichols, and they came to play. Nichols dictated the tempo in Oakville, and jumped to an early 1-0 lead on an Andrew Stein power play goal in the first period. It proved to be all Nichols would need as Brandon Mueller stopped all 21 shots he faced for the victory, sending the series back to Nichols for the deciding game three.

Nichols came ready to play in game three, but the Appleby goaltending continued to prove strong, frustrating Nichols forwards. Andrew Poturalski found the net midway through the second period on a power play, finishing a goalmouth scramble. The game entered the third with a 1-0 lead for Nichols, but just five minutes into the 20 minute frame, Appleby would get the bounce they needed as the shot from the point deflected by Brandon Mueller to tie the score at 1-1. With just over 5 minutes remaining, Andrew Stein scored on a power play to give Nichols the 2-1 lead, but a quick penalty on Nichols put Appleby on the power play just after the lead was taken. Andrew Poturalski would find his way behind the Appleby defense as he scored his second of the game; this one a shorthanded tally. Nichols would find their way in the box with a minute remaining, but Andrew Poturalski added his third of the game when he found the empty net. Brandon Mueller had 19 saves for the win.

The stage is set, and Nichols is in the finals against rival St. Andrew's College. Game 1 will be 1:00 on Wendesday, February 24 at St. Andrew's. Game 2 returns to Nichols at 5:00 on March 1, and Game 3 will be back at St. Andrew's at 1:00 on Wednesday, March 3 if necessary. The last time Nichols won the CISAA championship was in 2003.