Campbell RiverB次元官网网址檚 Brett Stapley notched a goal on the biggest stage heB次元官网网址檚 played on so far.

The third-line centre, who was suiting up in his fourth and final year for the University of Denver Pioneers, scored the first of two empty-netters in a 5-1 victory over Minnesota State to claim the NCAA Division 1 title on April 9.

The win is a special one for the Denver side, as it ties them with the University of Michigan for most total NCAA championships.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 a huge honour to be able to add to the history of this program, and win the school itB次元官网网址檚 ninth national championship,B次元官网网址� Stapley said.

Things have come full circle for the 23-year-old, who still remembers watching the Pioneers winning it all in 2017, the same year he committed to the school.

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The squad had to overcome some adversity early in the season, but Stapley said once the wheels were greased there was no turning back.

B次元官网网址淚 think we had a four-game losing skid on the road,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淏ut after that we were the best team in the country.B次元官网网址�

The fourth-year vet played his part in the squadB次元官网网址檚 success, racking up 43 points in 41 games.

B次元官网网址淐oming off an injury last season, I felt like I needed an extra detailed off-season in the weight room and on the ice,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淎nd as a result I felt faster and stronger this year B次元官网网址� I think (the extra work) paid dividends.B次元官网网址�

With 20 minutes left in the final game of the season, the Pioneers were trailing 1-0, but the mood was still upbeat.

B次元官网网址淓ven in the intermissions when we were down we were still really confident we would get the job done,B次元官网网址� Stapley said.

He was on the ice when his team tied it up in the 3rd period.

B次元官网网址淲e had a good shift, and the puck went to the net and (Ryan) Barrow tapped it home,B次元官网网址� he said.

A few minutes later Mike Benning scored on the power play, and the team never looked back.

The game before was a tad more dramatic.

Before facing off against the Michigan Wolverines in the Frozen Four, Stapley said the Pioneers were being underrated.

B次元官网网址淲e heard a lot of hype about them going into the game. People were saying we were the underdogs and we werenB次元官网网址檛 going to win.

B次元官网网址淪o we used that as motivation, and played a solid game.B次元官网网址�

He scored the opener in the contest, which the Pioneers won in overtime, 3-2.

B次元官网网址淚 had friends and family saying that was one of the best hockey games theyB次元官网网址檝e ever seen in their life,B次元官网网址� he said.

B次元官网网址淭hatB次元官网网址檚 college hockey for you I guess.B次元官网网址�

With college hockey soon to be in his rear view, Stapley B次元官网网址� who was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in 2018 B次元官网网址� is still unsure what his next steps are.

B次元官网网址淥bviously, it would be a dream come true to sign with Montreal and play there, but if that doesnB次元官网网址檛 end up working out, IB次元官网网址檇 take any team,B次元官网网址� he said.

HeB次元官网网址檚 also hoping to return to Campbell River to celebrate his accomplishment and enjoy some much deserved rest and relaxation.

B次元官网网址淚 usually come back to take some time away from the game,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淛ust fishing, hiking, and spending time at the lake with friends.B次元官网网址�

ronan.odoherty@campbellrivermirror.com
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