Ohio (15-1) sat atop the ACHA D1 rankings last week and in second this week. Outstanding defense has fueled their way to the top. Not only did all three goalies record some of the best save percentages in the league, but the team as a whole also prioritized defense. As far as stats are concerned, the Bobcats’ defense is unmatched.
“Through my whole hockey career, these guys are the best squad I’ve ever had in front of me,” senior goaltender Garrett Alderman said. “It makes my job easier.”
Alderman tallied 676 saves so far in his four-year career. His reliable talent earned him starts every season.
Although the goals have slowed down as the team plays more skilled teams, Ohio owns one of the best goal differentials. They had the second-fewest goals against this season, only 18.
The excellent defense is partially due to the strong offense. The Bobcats control the puck and rack up impressive offensive possession times. When their opponents finally find a scoring opportunity, Alderman and senior Matt Zazon, Ohio’s other primary goalie, are always at the ready.
Airtight defense was especially crucial in this weekend’s series against Maryville University (5-8). Maryville, ranked No. 10 in the country, was known for being a physical and chippy team.
In Friday’s game, Alderman made three beautiful glove saves, and 29 in total. Maryville earned multiple minute-plus offensive pressures, putting Ohio’s defense to the test. Intercepting passes, blocked shots and effective transitions assisted Alderman in protecting the net.
Tied 1-1, the final minutes of the third period were tense. Alderman made a key diving save. The Bobcats took it up the ice and scored the game-winning goal.
Zazon, who started in net Saturday, has the highest save percentage (.964) out of all goalies who played four or more games. He already had two shutouts. Unlike the night before, both teams drew four penalties. Zazon led Ohio to a successful kill-each-man-down situation.
He played for Ohio’s D2 team the previous three seasons and made 795 saves in his sophomore and junior seasons. Both Alderman and Zazon grew up in Columbus and played for two of the best hockey high schools in the city.
Next week, the Bobcats travel to the Chicago Showcase to play Jamestown (10-8-1), University of Nevada-Las Vegas (9-4) and Drury University (14-0). The matchup against Drury will be a defensive battle. Neck and neck for most points out of the independent teams in ACHA, Ohio and Drury are also tied in goals against with the league best 18.
“Every start, every team, no matter if it’s the number one team in the country, or number 50, I have the same mindset every single game,” Alderman said. “Just make myself comfortable and play well for the guys in front of me.”
