TEAMWORK LEADS TO CHAMPIONSHIP

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"We won this for one reason. Teamwork," said goalie Jon Graney (#21). "We win together and lose together, and every guy on this team poured their heart into this championship. We won it for each other."

The Riptides found themselves down a goal early, but rallied back with four unanswered first period goals.

The talented Jokers Wild cut the lead on the power play, and at intermission, the score was 4-2.

Doyle increased the lead to 5-2 on a feed from Graney. But the power play came back to haunt the Tide twice more, as Jokers Wild scored two late-game goals with the man-advantage.

After calling a timeout with 0:34 remaining, Jokers Wild pulled their goalie for the extra attacker. But as the seconds ticked down, Murkowicz stole the puck, streaked in and fired home an empty netter just as the horn sounded.

The Riptides erupted in celebration, clinching their first title since moving to Z-Rink in 2003.

"This team is a true team," Graney said. "We look out for each other, and encourage one another. It's a great feeling when you see that camaraderie translate into success."