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STOPs & STARTS USA Hockey News & UPDATES U.S. Narrowly Misses Gold At Women's U18 Tourney CCHA Celebrates Legacy In Final Season By Philip Colvin T he college hockey spotlight will shine squarely on the Central Collegiate Hockey Association on March 24 when it closes out its 42-year history. Everyone – players, coaches, administrators and officials – who has been associated with the league is encouraged to make Detroit their destination for one last blowout celebration during the CCHA Championship Weekend, March 22-24. The league has invited all alumni and fans to the last CCHA Championship Weekend, which includes two semifinal matchups, the CCHA Awards show, a special "Celebrate the Legacy" party and the championship game. The league has also undertaken a "Search for Mason Cup Champions" to find all the players who have their name on the CCHA playoff trophy, named in honor of legendary coach Ron Mason, whose name appears on the trophy a league-high 13 times. "We've heard from numerous former players and coaches who are making plans to come to Joe Louis Arena for the last CCHA Championship Weekend," said CCHA Commissioner Fred Pletsch. "And that includes making it a reunion for all of our CCHA Championship teams. We want to 04 February. 2013 The CCHA has a long tradition of producing top players, like Ken Morrow and Ryan Miller, as well as talented teams like defending champions Western Michigan. get as many fans and alumni to 'The Joe' to 'Celebrate the Legacy' of the league and go out in style." The 2013 CCHA Championship marks the 32nd anniversary of the event being held at Joe Louis Arena. Four teams will travel to the Motor City on March 23 in hopes of capturing the 42nd CCHA playoff title, which grants an automatic berth to the NCAA T ournament. The championship final will be played on March 24 and is the only college game that day, which seems only fitting for a league that has produced eight NCAA national championships, seven Hobey Baker Award winners, 179 All-Americans and 35 Stanley Cup champions. "The CCHA has a rich history of producing the finest players and most memorable moments in the history of college hockey," said T om Wilson, CEO and President of Olympia Entertainment. "We are extremely proud to host the CCHA Awards and the CCHA Championship and celebrate this wonderful legacy in the league's final season." USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM Despite holding a 40 to 25 shot advantage, the U.S. Women's National Under 18 Team came up just short of winning its fourth title at the IIHF U18 Women's World Championship when it dropped a 2-1 overtime decision to Canada. Jenny Ryan scored the lone U.S. tally, and goaltender Sidney Peters stopped 23 shots, including many from point-blank range. "They're incredible kids and players, and they gave their heart and soul in this game. I'm proud of our team, and I can't speak highly enough about the character of these girls," said Jeff Kampersal, head coach of Team USA. The U.S. finished the tournament, held in Heinola, Finland, with a 4-0-1-0 (W-OTW-OTL-L) record and outscored its opponents, 36-2. In six years of the tournament, Team USA has captured three gold medals and three silver medals. Meet Me In St. Louis Two of the most prolific puck stoppers the game has ever known were lauded at the 2012 induction ceremony for the St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame. Legendary goaltender Glenn Hall, who wrapped up his 18-year Hall of Fame career with the St. Louis Blues, shared the spotlight with Overland, Mo., native Steve Cash, who didn't surrender a single goal during the U.S. Sled Hockey Team's gold-medal run at the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games. For the 23-year-old Cash, the thrill of meeting Hall and being mentioned in the same breath as the man nicknamed "Mr. Goalie," was more than a thrill. "It was pretty cool being seated at a table with him and having a chance to talk to him. Being two goalies we got along really well," said Cash, who was presented with the Special Athlete Award. "I asked him what it was like back in the day and what were the biggest differences between then and how the game is played today. He said he had seen sled hockey back in Canada and had great admiration for what we do. He appreciated how tough it is to play. It was cool to hear him say that." The St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame opened in 2009 and is located in the Scottrade Center in downtown St. Louis. Photos courtesy of CCHA (3); Images on Ice; Mike Dowling