SECRHL Crowns 2007-2008 Champions

The saying goes, "out with the old and in with the new", this year in the SECRHL the "new" are in fact, well for lack of a better term, old.  In fact the new SECRHL DI and DII champions are two of the oldest teams in the  SECRHL.  Both teams will also return to the NCRHA National Championships as Regional Champions for the first time in a few years.

 

In Division I the UCF Knights toppled the competition for their 7th Regional Championship in 11 years (the Knights were a founding member of the SECRHA which after the 04-05 season merged with the ACRHA to form the SECRHL).  The Knights pulled together a season marred by injuries and eligibility issues to overcome some of the best teams the SECRHL had fielded all season.  In the semi-finals the Knights faced off with their long time rivals the Florida Gators, the regular season champion Gators were no match for a young aggressive UCF squad who appeared hungry to regain the Championship from the initial drop of the puck.  Led by freshman Bryan Silva's hat trick the Knights prevailed 10-5.  Moving to a Championship game for the 9th time the Knights faced a very evenly matched FIU Panther team who was in the Championship tilt for the second straight year and hoping to avenge a loss in last year's game to NC State.  The Knights again found ways to make the few mistakes the Panthers made into shots on goal and goals.  Sending the Panthers to a 6-2 defeat and claiming their 7th Championship.

 

In Division II the Elon Phoenix, sporting a retro jersey look this season, continued to shine on the rink behind the stellar play of forward Ryan Weekes.  Elon is no stranger to the winners circle though, having claimed the former ACRHA Championship twice (02-03 and 04-05) the Phoenix faced a tough challenge in Snellville.  With games against Southern Conference front runner College of Charleston, second seeded Western Carolina and a Tampa Spartans team which has played strongly since the acquisition of a few key components following the Fall semester the Phoenix prevailed and did something that no team other then the Emory Eagles have done in the SECRHL DII history which is hoist the cup as a Champion.  The Phoenix will travel to Nationals where they are no stranger to the high level of competition and hope to continue the winning ways.

 

Although not in attendance at the Regional Championships the Broward Community College and UCF B teams who won their respective divisions will also travel to Colorado to represent the region.  The SECRHL is very excited about the prospect of sending these champions to the event and hope to have other teams after Selection Monday is complete.  Tune into the SECRHL or NCRHA websites after 9pm EST Monday night 3/3/08 to see as teams are announced.