Santa Rosa Junior College tops UC Davis for hockey crown

Santa Rosa Junior College brought home its third consecutive Pacific Collegiate Hockey Association league title last weekend with a 3-2 win over rival UC Davis.

The Polar Bears beat San Jose State 9-1 in the semifinals at the league tournament in South Lake Tahoe to set up a rematch with the Aggies, who owned a 2-1 win advantage over Santa Rosa this season.

Stephen Wolmarans netted two goals in the final game for the Polar Bears and Colin Ridenour got one.

“It was a really, really good game,” SRJC head coach Mike Kovanis said.

Kovanis credited the Polar Bears’ defense for shutting down the Aggies’ potent offense. Davis had scored 13 goals against Santa Rosa in their two prior meetings. Last weekend, they were held to two goals.

Kovanis said goalkeeper Dominic Jones played a dominant game.

“He definitely showed up,” Kovanis said. “He made a couple of game-saving saves.”

Despite taking the league crown, the Polar Bears were not invited to the American Collegiate Hockey Association tournament.

“Our season is done,” Kovanis said. “We ended on a high note.”

You can reach Kerry ?Benefield at 526-8671 or ?kerry.benefield@pressdemocrat.com, on Twitter @benefield ?and on Instagram at kerry.benefield.