The Bobcats could use this weekend as a springboard heading into the American Collegiate Hockey Association Tournament next weekend. But all they really want is to be healthy.
West Virginia comes to Bird Arena tonight for a two-game set with the Bobcats, who shut them out 4-0 in the only meeting this season.
On their path to a sixth league championship last weekend, Ohio lost key offensive cogs Brett Molnar and Josh Fodor to injury. Coach Dan Morris has ruled Fodor out for this weekend, but said that Molnar is likely a game-time decision.
With players on the shelf, Morris hinted that more ice time will be given to players such as Nick Frasse and Anthony Finney, who haven't seen much game action lately.
Molnar suffered an ankle injury while blocking a shot in the final game against Iowa State, but Fodor's injury was undisclosed.
It's the same thing as last time with these guys
Morris said. We're a banged up team and this is where the guys like Finney (Jared) Fuhs
Bryan Brown and Jordan Yoklic can really step up and play.
If we have injuries at nationals, it will be a grueling test.
There will be another addition to the lineup-goaltender Paul Marshall has returned from the World University Games in China
where he and Team USA went 2-2 and finished seventh in the 10-team field-their best ever finish.
While Chris Carlson has admirably filled in during Marshall's absence
they will likely share time between the pipes this weekend. Depending on the performance of each and the play of the team in front of them
either could be the starting goaltender when the national tournament rolls around.
This is an excellent situation for a coach, Morris said.
Another roster decision will come tomorrow night
when three of the Bobcats' best players will take part in the league all-star game in Champaign
Ill.
Zack Barbis
Billy Hemann and Ryan Tessmer will be absent for the second half of the series with the Mountaineers.,",2,Sports,Rob Mixer,",",",",",","
27429,2009-03-06 01:45:00,Baseball: Middle infield to get offensive about defense,Led by a defense featuring Zach Keen
Bobby Martin and Gauntlett Eldemire up the middle
