GCU triumphs at Yuma College Bowl
Defending national champions shine in Year 2 of College Bowl
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - This past weekend, roller hockey fans in Yuma were treated to an exciting series of games as Grand Canyon University defended its Division 1 National Championship title at the Yuma College Bowl.
The action kicked off on Friday with GCU's AA team facing off against the IHAAZ All-Stars, a team of the best 17- and 18-year-old players in Arizona. In a thrilling game that went down to the wire, GCU lost in a shootout 3-4.
Saturday's main event saw GCU's Division 1 team take on the Yuma Gila Monsters in an action-packed showdown.
After a tense back-and-forth game, GCU emerged victorious with a 5-4 win, solidifying their reputation as the reigning national champions. The match was an intense display of skill, and GCU's defense, led by goaltender Ryan Metzler, proved to be the difference-maker as the team held on for the win.
After their hard-fought win, we caught up with GCU team captain Aydin Schwetz and goaltender Ryan Metzler to reflect on the games in Yuma and the significance of the tournament.
Schwetz shared his thoughts on how important the Yuma College Bowl is to both the program and the sport of roller hockey as a whole.
"We started our program with the goal of growing the sport in every aspect of the game," Schwetz explained. "Yuma was incredibly welcoming to us last season, and it's fantastic to be back. Continuing this partnership and making it an annual event is huge for both our program and for roller hockey in general."
Metzler added that the tournament provided a unique opportunity to inspire younger players.
"It's incredible to see kids come out and enjoy roller hockey," Metzler said. "When I was younger, there wasn't anything like this to show us that roller hockey could be played at a collegiate level. It's amazing to help show them that the sport has a future beyond just playing with friends."
The Yuma College Bowl has proven to be much more than a competition. It's a platform for growing roller hockey in Arizona and beyond.
Both GCU and the Yuma Gila Monsters, along with the IHAAZ All-Stars, hope to return next year to continue to inspire youth and promote the sport.
As the event continues to gain traction, it's becoming clear that Yuma is playing a key role in the development and expansion of roller hockey in the region.
