Batavia, NY - The #4 ranked Howard Dragons came within 12 seconds of a stunning upset, but it was the #1 ranked Nassau Lions who were able to find a way to win in overtime to clinch their spot in the National Championship game.

The Dragons went man-down just 30 seconds into the game on a cross check by Jackson Krasny (Hagerstown, MD/St. Maria Goretti), but a big save by Tim Russell (Catonsville, MD/Catonsville) ensured that Howard was able to prevent any damage to the scoreboard. Two minutes later the Lions were able to get the opener as Justin Roderka snuck it into the top right corner just over Russell's stick.

Krasny made up for the penalty after six minutes of play as he was able to duck under a high check and get right in front of the case then bury the shot into the top left netting to tie the game at 1-1.

A great defensive play by Austin Stuebner (Reading, PA/Governor Mifflin) to knock the ball free on a Nassau counter-attack prevented an odd man rush as a hustle play by Nick Pekins (Columbia, MD/Hammmond) gave Howard possession. Nassau was able to get the ball back on a Howard turnover, but Russell got low for a great save on a bouncing shot. Nassau was able to follow it up as Roderka scored on an open net goal with Russell trying to intercept the pass. The Lions won the ensuing face-off and scored on a nice cross-crease pass by Dan Rooney to an open Liam Muldoon. 

The second period started with an incredible low save by Russell which gave the Dragons an opportunity on the offensive side of the field. With the shot clock running down, Joe Beville (Gaithersburg MD/Quince Orchard) was able to get to the crease, was able to get up after slipping to the turf, and dunked it into the net to cut the Nassau lead in half.

A key interception by Johnny Chaisson (Glenwood, MD/Glenelg) gave Jake Polinsky (Sykesville, MD/Marriotts Ridge) an opportunity to put in a great wrap around goal to tie the game at 3-3 midway through the second quarter. Four minutes later Krasny was able to draw a 30 second penalty and Howard converted as Jack Watsic (Frederick, MD/Linganore) found a wide open Jeremy Sforzo (Vail, CO/Battle Mountain) to give the Dragons their first lead of the game.

With less than a minute left in the first half, the Dragons called a timeout to set up their offense. The play involved Krasny getting the ball from behind the net who showed great patience in being able to back his defender down and scoring with 16 seconds left in the first half.

Russell made another incredible save to start the third quarter and Krasny completed his hat trick on a long range shot just one minute into the third quarter. Chaisson again made a great play to strip the Lions of possession followed by another insane save by Russell that gave Howard the ball back. The Dragons took advantage as Colvin Prosser (Kennesaw, GA/Lassiter) sniped a shot into the top left corner of the net to extend the lead. Nassau finally scored with five minutes left in the third quarter to break the 6-0 Howard run that went all the way back to the first quarter.

After a Nassau goal to start the fourth quarter, Watsic answered right back with a quick shot from a restart of play on a Prosser assist to put Howard back ahead 8-5. Russell continued to stand on his head between the pipes as his 14th save was a diving effort to keep the Dragons ahead 8-6 with seven minutes left.

With less than a minute left in the fourth quarter and the score tied at 8-8, Krasny scored his fourth of the game on a great individual effort as the Howard faithful that made the long trip north went crazy in the grandstands. Nassau won the ensuing face-off and was able to score a low bouncer with 12 seconds left to tie the game back up at 9-9 and send the game into overtime. It took two minutes of the extra period for the Lions to find Justin Roderka who scored on a high bouncer to end the Dragons season.

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