From behind the boards, Ohio hockey coach Dan Morris called the shots for the Bobcats as they rolled to a 32-7-2 record and their first American Collegiate Hockey Association national championship since 1997. Morris, currently in his fourth year at the helm, has already led Ohio to a 4-0 mark this season. The Post's Mike Cottrill sat down with Mo to talk about Penn State, beer and what Ohio coaches he would love to see on the ice.
The Post: You guys won the national championship last year. How often does the thought of winning another one enter into your mind?
Morris: Every day. If you go a day without thinking about something like that then you're through. It's always on your mind.
The Post: While a national championship must be great, don't you think it's odd that they give a hockey player jewelry when he wins? What's with the rings in sports?
Morris: Good question. That's what we play for, I guess. We play for banners and rings. It seems kind of odd, I guess, but that's something you'll always have to cherish. Those things are a great symbol for achievement in your life, be it a graduation or a national championship.
The Post: You were kind of a bruiser in your playing days, something that carries over to your team. Is there any other coach or team here at Ohio that you think could step out on the ice with you?
Morris: I think (field hockey coach) Shelley Morris. I'd like to see her out there on skates. (Soccer coach) Stacy Strauss would be a tough match-up, especially with the way her team is playing right now. We have lots of offensive talent, but I'd hate to face her. We've been scoring a bunch, but maybe they could teach our guys about how you shut another team out. That'd be a good lesson.
The Post: Although you're a hockey coach here at Ohio, you are also a noted Steelers fan. Which rival team do you hate the most, Penn State or my Cleveland Browns?
Morris: I'm an adopted Steelers fan -it's just my favorite team -it's nothing compared to the rivalry we've built with Penn State. Hockey would outweigh that always, but especially with Penn State. We're two close teams, and we love to battle. It's not a thing about animosity; it's just a good series. Though I think I'm 5-7-2 against them in my coaching career, so I have a pretty strong desire to beat them. It's the only team I can think of that I have a losing record against. I was 4-0 against them as a player, however.
The Post: Did you just tell me all that so you wouldn't have to admit the Steelers have a terrible team?
Morris: No, they're going to hit some bumps and bruises with young guys like Ben Roethlisberger, but they have a great running game that will help get him going. Besides, they're on top of their division.
The Post: It's the AFC North; I could be on top of that division. During games you've been known to lay into the refs a little bit. Do you ever take them out for a beer afterwards to make up for it?
Morris: I don't ever apologize because I never cross the line of respect. Most of the officials around here are very acquainted with the program, and I expect them to perform as well as I do during the game. As far as buying them a beer? Well, hockey's a game where, hopefully, you can leave everything on the ice. After the game, if we all end up at the same place and some libations begin to spill out, I may have to pick up the tab.
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Mike Cottrill
