Picking up win number 28 this weekend would be more than just another victory.
With a win over No. 6 Iowa State this weekend, the Bobcats will claim the Central States Collegiate Hockey League regular season title and an automatic berth to the American Collegiate Hockey Association national tournament in Bensenville, Ill.
Ohio (27-6-2, 12-1-1 CSCHL) hosts the Cyclones tonight and tomorrow with its sights on first place. Iowa State (23-7-4, 7-5-2 CSCHL) is one of the most complete teams in the ACHA with size, speed, solid defense and goaltending, coach Dan Morris said.
They're big. They've got great defensemen that move the puck well. They're physical
Morris said. They skate tremendously well.
The Cyclones also pose a threat offensively.
They like to work low in the offensive zone: corner-to-corner to the slot so we've got to be aware of that and make sure we're defending both posts
Morris said.
The Cyclones tallied 15 goals against Eastern Michigan last weekend. They have four players with more than 30 points, making them one of the most potent offensive powers on Ohio's schedule.
As you start narrowing the field down
you're going to run into teams that have similar stats to yours
Morris said. It just comes down to attention to detail and emotion that decides games.
Iowa State might be playing its best hockey of the season. The team was 7-1 in January and has won its last six games. The Cyclones have six shutouts this season.
You want to play your best hockey in the second half of the year
Morris said. It's a recipe that's been successful in the past
and I think everybody is trying to copy what is successful.
Despite their high ranking, the Cyclones have a mediocre CSCHL record and are 1-4-1 against teams higher in the league standings. However, Morris said this spoke more to the level of competition within the CSCHL rather than any weakness in Iowa State's game.
That just demonstrates how tough winning games in our league is
Morris said. Any game from here on in is a super challenge for us.
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