Oklahoma State hockey falls just one game short of a national championship as they lost to Florida Gulf Coast in sudden death overtime, 3-2
SAINT LOUIS, MO — The Oklahoma State Cowboy Hockey team delivered one of the most memorable seasons in the program’s short history, reaching the ACHA Men’s Division 2 National Championship game before falling just short in a 3-2 overtime loss to four-time champion Florida Gulf Coast University on Tuesday, March 17, in St. Louis.
On Monday, the Cowboys earned their spot in the title game with a gritty 6-4 semifinal victory over the University of St. Thomas (MN). The back-and-forth contest saw the score tied at 3-3 late in the second period after a St. Thomas breakaway equalizer.
Oklahoma State responded strongly in the third period, pulling away for the win to advance to the championship.
The victory showed the Cowboys’ fight and offensive depth against a great opponent, with timely contributions from players like Zion Green helping seal the deal.
In Tuesday’s final at the Centene Community Ice Center, streamed live on FloHockey and followed closely via updates from @okstatehockey on X, OSU jumped out to an early lead when Jordan Karafile scored an unassisted goal in the first period. Gerald Cahill then added a stunning goal right off a faceoff win in the second period, giving the Cowboys a 2-1 advantage.
FGCU battled back, with Anthony Zebley tying the game at 2-2 midway through the third period. With regulation ending in a deadlock, Cole Bauman stunned the Cowboys by netting the game-winner just 26 seconds into overtime, handing FGCU the title.
Key players for Oklahoma State included Karafile, Nelson and Cahill, whose timely goals kept the Cowboys in contention throughout the tournament. The team dominated pool play earlier in the week, sweeping their group 3-0 while outscoring opponents 26-7 and establishing themselves as the top seed from the West region. This impressive run highlighted a season of dominant offense and strong goaltending.
Founded in 2021 as an ACHA Division 2 club program based in Tulsa with ties to the Tulsa Oilers, Oklahoma State’s hockey program is remarkably young, barely five years old. Reaching the ACHA M2 national final in such a short timeframe is a testament to the rapid development of the squad, the dedication of its players and coaches, and the growing support from fans and the university community.
The success has also fueled ongoing rumors of Oklahoma State pushing to elevate its program to NCAA Division I status and step out of the ACHA ranks. Speculation, intensified earlier in 2026, points to potential major donor involvement and ambitions for a new dedicated arena, with some projections eyeing a move by around 2030. While university officials have noted financial and logistical challenges, the possibility shows the program’s upward trajectory.
Despite the final loss, this season stands as a historic building block for future Oklahoma State hockey teams. The Cowboys’ improbable run will inspire the next generation of players in a state not traditionally known as a hockey hotbed. It not only elevates the profile of OSU athletics but also contributes to the broader growth of hockey across Oklahoma, potentially boosting youth participation and interest in the sport.