"He saved us in the end and made some huge blocks," said first-year Golden West head coach Scott Taylor. "He and the rest of the guys never quit. I'm just really proud of all my players for what they did tonight and for putting in the effort all season."

It appeared the game would be a Golden West blowout early on, as the Rustlers carried a 4-1 lead after the first period.

West Valley played a good defensive game and held tournament goals leader Brett McCleave scoreless in the game. But Bogdan Petrovic and Ryan Bell both chipped in with two goals to give the Rustlers the offense they needed.

Golden West wins its California-record 18th state championship. For Taylor, it's his first as a coach, but as a player he also, won two championships with the Rustlers in 1989 and 1990.

Golden West closes the year 33-2, while West Valley takes home runner up honors and ends the year with a 28-4 record.