Hockey Teams Prep for Purple Eagles, No. 3 Bulldogs

Happy game day, puck fans! Your men’s team is off to New York to test its mettle against Atlantic Hockey. Meanwhile the women host their arch-enemy Minnesota-Duluth. Read on for the lowdown on another full week of Buckeye hockey.

Men at Niagara

Ohio State’s simmering offense exploded for 11 goals against Bowling Green last week. Eight different Buckeyes found the back of the net. Another six chipped in with assists. The Bucks look to keep the heat turned up this week in a showdown at Niagara.

Nine of the Purple Eagles’ top ten scorers are back this season. Nine is also the number of freshmen that join the team. Ordinarily one would praise the experience and bemoan the huge influx of rookies. In Niagara’s case, though, a breath of fresh air is badly needed.

Last year the Eagles finished with a dismal 6-25-6 record. They tied for last place in Atlantic Hockey and made a swift exit from the conference tournament. Niagara’s prospects have yet to improve in 2016-17. The team is 0-3-2 and has surrendered 24 goals in those five games. 

This series begins a four week stretch in which the Buckeyes' opponents currently collectively possess four total wins. Lacking the external motivators of rivalry or rank, finding the internal drive to effectively prepare and execute during this stretch is likely to be the biggest test for the Bucks.

Head coach Steve Rohlik stressed the importance of preparation in his pre-series talk with the media: 

"Our guys have got to understand that the game’s won and lost during the week...You can’t just show up on Friday and turn the light switch on. I’ve been talking to them a lot about being prepared and you have to do that between Monday and Thursday." 

Ohio State does not need to do anything fancy this week. Two games of good, plain, solid hockey should net positive outcomes. Playing consistently solid hockey has been somewhat of a challenge for the Bucks but they're finding a way to get the job done. I think they'll continue to do that this week. 

Women vs Minnesota-Duluth 

Last week the Buckeyes gave the Gophers a run for their money, though they came out on the losing end of 2-1 scores in both contests. The Minnesota series was a continuation of the gutsy effort shown by the Ohio State women from the outset of the season. The Bucks maintain a 3-4-1 record in spite of the high degree of difficulty in their October schedule.

This week Ohio State resumes its eternal beef with No. 3 Minnesota-Duluth. The history between these teams is full of bad blood, important games, and hard won victories. Most recently the Bulldogs claimed the 2015-16 season series with a 3-1-0 record.

UMD is an experienced team containing many familiar faces such as seniors Ashleigh Brykaliuk and Lara Stalder who combined for 20 points (7 goals and 13 assists) against the Buckeyes last year. The most notable change to the team is in net. With the departure of Kayla Black sophomore Maddie Rooney becomes the full-time starter.

Duluth is a formidable foe but I like the Buckeyes’ chances this week. They've played some good stretches of hockey lately and just missed on some excellent results. I think the team will string a few of those good stretches together this week and pick up some conference points.

Important Parking Note

Admission and parking to women’s hockey games is usually completely free and located in close proximity to the Ice Rink. However on Saturday due to this week’s home football game there will be a $20 parking charge and you’re in for a hike.