For the first time in program history, the Lions won the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) Men's Division II National Championship with a 4-1 victory over Montana State University Wednesday afternoon at the Centene Community Ice Center in Maryland Heights, Missouri.

Lindenwood cleared several hurdles the last few days to hoist the trophy. After dethroning the reigning 2024 champion Indiana Hoosiers to advance to the semifinals in what proved to be the final pool play game finished three days later after a weather delay, the Lions defeated Florida Gulf Coast, one of only three teams to hand Lindenwood a loss during the regular season. With the win over the Bobcats in the finals, the Lions overcame a team that swept them a season ago.

While the final score of the title game appeared to indicate a dominant performance throughout, it wasn't until later in the second period that Lindenwood could sense the contest was going its way. The Lions put pressure on Montana State with the first goal at the 5:47 mark of the opening frame. Gavin Delfosse and Brett Robinson set up Ryan Granville, but the Bobcats responded to tie things at 14:22. Despite Lindenwood outshooting Montana State 18-8, the first period came to an end in a 1-1 tie.

The Bobcats had a chance to take the lead early in the second after Nick Jones was called for boarding at 3:54, but the Lions were able to kill it off and then had their own man-advantage chance on a Montana State penalty. Time expired on the power play, but Lindenwood was still at work and the

effort paid off with an even-strength goal just 17 seconds later. Logan Millhausen sounded the horn with help from Nolan Kahl and Ethan Christofferson at the nine-minute mark.

The Lions added some insurance moments later when Jack Louko found the back of the net at 11:24, assisted by Jones and Austin Meers. Despite being outshot 10-4 in the period, Lindenwood outscored the Bobcats 2-0 and that ended up being a key factor in the win. The Lions defense clamped down and goalie Cole Wheaton was a wall in front of the net from that point on. It remained 3-1 Lindenwood through the rest of the second and well into the third.

With 2:40 remaining in regulation, Montana State pulled its goalie. A few game stops later, Brett Robinson took possession of the puck and a quick feed to Millhausen resulted in an empty netter at the 19:04 mark to make it 4-1. The final seconds ticked off the clock and the Lions celebrated their first title.

After outshooting Lindenwood in the second period, the Bobcats outshot the Lions 9-5 in the third to even the shots on goal tally to 27 each. Wheaton stopped 26 of the 27 shots he faced to earn the championship victory in goal. In addition to shots, both teams had the same results on the power play, going scoreless on four man-advantage chances. Jack Louko was named the Most Valuable Player. In addition to scoring a goal in the title game, he had an assist in the semifinals.

With the win, Lindenwood completed its season with a record of 37-3, one of the best ever in program history!