PLATTSBURGH -- Plattsburgh State men's hockey coach Bob Emery has always said defense wins championships.

That was never more apparent this weekend.

St. Norbert, following up on Saturday's 3-0 victory over Norwich University, frustrated the Cardinals Sunday afternoon while skating to a 2-0 win and its first-ever NCAA Division III Tournament men's hockey championship.

Senior standout Kyle Jones stopped all 32 shots that came his way as the Green Knights (27-1-4) prevailed at Herb Brooks Arena.

"They are one of the best defensive teams I have ever seen," said Emery. "Defense wins championships.

"They have the Player of the Year in Division III in goal and they take care of the front of the net. They don't allow many second or third shots -- and they had an answer for us."

The Cardinals (25-5), who skated to a 6-3 win over Elmira College the night before, stayed even with the Green Knights in a scoreless first period. Freshman goaltender Bryan Hince was up to the task with 14 saves.

"Our defensemen did a good job and I was able to see the shots in the first period," Hince said.

St. Norbert. however, broke out on top with 5:53 gone in the second period. Ryan Petersen took a shot from the side that was tipped into the net by Scott Pulak.

"On their first goal, their player took a shot from the sideboards and they had a player get in front," Emery said. "Hince had no chance."

"It's a big lift to get the first one or two goals," Pulak said. "It makes you feel confident you can win."

The Green Knights added to their lead at 10:25 on the powerplay. Marc Belanger rifled a shot from straight on between the circles over Hince's shoulder and into the net.

"I took the puck down the middle and the �D' gave me a lot of space," Belanger said. "He (Hince) caught me the first time earlier in the game, but I was able to score this time. It felt good."

"Their second goal was unreal," Hince said. "It was an NHL shot."

Emery knew how dangerous it was for the Cardinals to fall behind.