After seven seasons, the Riptides are finally champions.

The Tide clinched the Dek III Championships, Tuesday night, shutting out the Rink Rats, 4-0. The Riptides swept the series two games to none.

Matt Forcier (#22) scored what proved to be the winning goal only eight seconds into the game, on a pass from team captain Chris LaRue (#3). Forcier was credited with two goals for the game.

LaRue ended the night with a goal and two assists. Derek Hayden (#11) rounded out the scoring. Jeff Vale (#13) and Troy Hazen (#7) each notched assists.

Assistant captain and goaltender Jon Graney (#21) stopped all 27 shots he faced.

After the game, Graney was named Fall Session 2002 Most Valuable Player by On-Dek Sports.

In a note to his teammates, Graney said, "There's no way I could have earned it without the unsung heroes of our team -- our defensemen -- James, Jason, Tom and Hank."

The Riptides defense is comprised of James Bolstridge (#24), Jason "The Ghost" Schuck (#16), Tom Accomazzo (#6), and Hank Durkee (#44).

Graney ended the regular season with a 0.922 save percentage (3rd); a goals-against average of 2.083 (3rd); and one shutout.

In the playoffs, Graney had a save percentage of 0.962 and a goals-against average of 1.000. He also had two shutouts, both of which were in the championship round against the Rink Rats.

Graney's MVP award is one of three individual awards earned by the team in its seven-season history.

Graney earned the Top Goalie Award in the Winter 2001 season, and captain Chris LaRue (#3) was honored with the Top Scorer Award after the Spring 2001 season.