"If somebody would have asked me in September if I really thought that we would be in the national championship game, I don't know if I would have been able to say, 'yeah,' " Icers coach Joe Battista said.

But the reality is, Battista probably had a pretty good idea. The Icers have been in the ACHA National Championship game every year since 1998.

The opponent this year came in the form of fourth-seeded Illinois. The Fighting Illini came in with a bit of a chip on their shoulder.

Back in 2002, the Icers beat Illinois in the title game in Maryland.

So close to Happy Valley, Battista said that affair felt like a home game for his team due to the fan turnout. But now the tables were turned and Illinois, playing in its home state, had a distinct advantage.

The game was exciting to watch to the casual observer. But agonizing for fans of either team.

And what would a championship game be like without some controversy?

It came after Illinois scored the first goal of the game.

After a huge pileup in front of goaltender Paul Mammola, Illinois was awarded a goal that many people sitting behind the net said never fully crossed the line.

The Icers would eventually tie the game, 1-1, but Illinois quickly answered with another goal about 10 seconds later.

The Illini would hold off with a 4-3 victory.

Illinois head coach Chad Cassel was the head coach of this year's World University Games. He had the opportunity to coach Icers seniors Kevin Jaeger, Joe Maglaque and Eric Harbaugh.

"It's just an unbelievable feeling just to win it. Penn State has a great program [and] I have so much respect for everything Joe has done there. It's a great feeling no matter who you beat," Cassel said.

Battista said this year's team reminded him of the squad he had in 2000, which featured 13 new players. Throughout the tournament he wore his championship ring from that year because he said that team went on to win a championship even though it was supposed to be a rebuilding year.

When the game was over Jaeger exited the locker room pretty much the same way he'd done all year. Hair wet, head slightly lowered. It was hard to tell whether he won or lost. Jaeger has been a part of two championship teams as a freshman and sophomore.

"The last two years have been the complete opposite here, losing. I wanted it more than any other year this year," Jaeger said.

As Illinois players walked by him, Battista congratulated each of them. There were no hard feelings.

"All it makes you realize, in the end, is how hard it is to finish it. So many things have to go your way," Battista said.

"Right now it hurts, but in the end we had a hell of a season."

Battista said he'd like to think that his guys would all want to get back and start playing hockey right away. There's no evidence to prove that statement is wrong.