Axemen Edge Gulls, Claim Title

Our champion has been decided. In a game between two CMHL giants, the (3) Axemen overcame years of adversity, avenged last year’s loss, and claimed their first title by beating the (1) Gulls 3-2 on Friday night.

Fans who were late for the game missed an exciting start as the Gulls’ Jaret Chipman got the action started by burying the opening goal just 49 seconds into the game. The lead was short lived however as Josh Soares’ rip at 1:51 of the first quickly matched the score for the Axemen. Scoring in the first wasn’t done, however, as the Gulls answered right back at 6:35 as Chipman put away his second of the game to reclaim the Gulls’ lead. It would be the last time the Gulls ever saw the lead as just over two minutes later Matthew Thorpe responded to tie the game back up for the Axemen at 8:28.

With a 2-2 tie heading into the second, at 5:58 from just outside the blue paint, CMHL Championship Game MVP Jacob Saddler tucked away the decisive goal as the Axemen took the 3-2 lead and never looked back.

A thrilling title game lived up to the billing as the encore to last year’s 5-4 overtime title match between the two clubs. Goalies Cassidy Traver (Axemen) and Kyle Underhill (Gulls) made multiple athletic, point-blank stops on both ends and gave their respective teams a chance to win the title. Ultimately, the Axemen prevailed to have their names forever etched onto the trophy as the 2024-25 CMHL Champions.

We’d like to extend all six teams, their players, coaches, and fans as well as our officiating crew and scorekeepers a thank you for a tremendous second season of the CMHL as your ongoing contributions make our league a success. We look forward to seeing you back next season as we continue to grow the CMHL. Check back in here throughout the offseason for league updates.