When ESPN approached the American Collegiate Hockey Association about broadcasting games, the league did as much as possible to make that a reality.
Ohio will have its first chance to be broadcasted on an ESPN network Friday night at Bird Arena when fourth-ranked Ohio plays Jamestown on ESPN3.
The broadcast will mark the second time an ACHA game will be on ESPN3, with the first being Oct. 14 when Lindenwood played at Iowa State.
"To have Ohio hockey associated with the ESPN brand is awesome," Ohio coach Sean Hogan said. “Like, I don’t know if anybody ever saw that coming.”
Not only is Hogan excited for the Bobcats, he is happy to see the ACHA becoming more established to the point where it can now be broadcasted on a national platform.
“(The ACHA has) just come so far,” Hogan said. “I’ve been coaching for 10 years, most of my time I have been at this level, but it’s just come so far.”
With the ACHA spotlight on Athens and the Bobcats, Hogan said he expects his players to come out with some nerves, but as the game goes on, it will be just another hockey game.
Although many are interested in the ESPN3 broadcast, one prominent Ohio player is questioning whether he can even play.
Captain Matt Hartman has a broken hand and did not play in the team’s road series against Robert Morris-Illinois. His status for this weekend's series is uncertain.
With Hartman possibly out, Hogan plans to use a similar strategy he used against Robert Morris. Freshman forward Gianni Evangelisti may see time during the first two offensive shifts.
Even with a potential captain out and a tough opponent ahead, Hogan is looking forward to future opportunities to host an ESPN3 broadcasted game.
“Hopefully we get another (ESPN3 game). ... As long as it’s beneficial to us, and I think it is, hopefully we will be able to continue to do it,” Hogan said.
Puck drop is Friday at 7 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday at Bird Arena.
