Buffaloes Claim First NCRHA National Title in Overtime Thriller
The University of Colorado Buffaloes roller hockey team made program history this April, capturing their first ever national title at the 2025 National Collegiate Roller Hockey Association (NCRHA) National Championship tournament held in Fort Myers, Florida.
The championship victory capped off an outstanding season for the Buffaloes, who competed against the nation's top Division 3 collegiate roller hockey programs during the tournament. This year’s championships marked the 25th anniversary of the national tournament, making Colorado's triumph even more special as part of this milestone celebration.
Fueled by captain Austin Granmoe’s rallying cry—“We’re only seven wins away from being national champions”—the Colorado Buffaloes delivered on that vision, capping a perfect tournament run with a dramatic 3-2 overtime victory over top-seeded University of Tampa to win their first NCRHA national championship.
Colorado entered the title game riding a 6-0 streak, with key wins over Loyola Marymount, Kennesaw State and Florida Gulf Coast. Against Tampa, the Buffs controlled early possession but fell behind late in the first period on a breakaway goal by Kellen Sargolini.
After a quiet start to the second, Colorado flipped the script in under a minute. Freshman Cole Jacobson tied the game with a top-shelf snipe, and Shawn Valdez followed with a go-ahead goal off a Jacobson assist, giving the Buffs a 2-1 lead heading into the third.
Tampa equalized with just over three minutes remaining, setting the stage for overtime. That’s when sophomore Graeme Ferguson stepped up, intercepting a pass and burying the game-winner from 20 feet out to seal the title.
“It’s an unreal feeling,” Ferguson said. “Even though it’s just roller hockey, it’s one of the best moments of my life.”
The Buffs closed the season on a 22-game win streak, finishing 27-4 overall. With the championship, Colorado will move up to Division 2 next season and plans to launch a beginner-friendly AA team. Interested students can contact curollerhockey@gmail.com.