The Bobcats started conference play with a series sweep of the 20th ranked Eastern Michigan Eagles.
Ohio won 8-2 Friday night, and 12-0 Saturday as Ohio goaltender Paul Marshall stopped all 19 shots taken by the Eagles and recorded his fourth shutout of the season.
The two wins gave Ohio (13-2) a perfect opening in Central States Collegiate Hockey League play.
We were hungry
we were aggressive and we were ready to go said Ohio coach Dan Morris.
Marshall has been solid in the net all year for the Bobcats, and continued to do well this weekend.
He's a great goalie and one of the best players in the ACHA
Morris said.
Half the Bobcats' 12 goals scored Saturday came during the power play, a feat Morris credits to a drive for more playing time from each line.
We used all four lines when we had the man advantage
Morris said.
It has almost become a competition for the players. They're competing for more ice time.
Saturday, 11 different players scored for the Bobcats and 16 different players registered at least one point in the win.
Ohio forward Ryan Tessmer recorded his second hat-trick of the season, while Michael Schultz tallied his team-leading 13th and 14th goals of the season.
This weekend's series was also the first series back for Ohio defenseman Zack Barbis, who suffered a broken tibia in a Sept. 25 game against Youngstown State.
Having Zack back was a big help on defense
Morris said.
We were able to control the puck and rely on our defense.
Barbis tallied a goal and two assists in his return with the Bobcats.
On the series, Ohio outshot Eastern Michigan (5-6) 88 to 34, and outscored the Eagles 20 to 2.
Ohio (13-2) continues conference play next weekend at home against 22nd-ranked Western Michigan (5-5).
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Sports
Rob Ogden
