Despite taking a slight dip in the American Collegiate Hockey Association’s rankings, going from the No. 1 spot to No. 2, Ohio (15-1) proved its one of the most competitive teams on the ice in its weekend matchups against Maryville (5-8). In both games, the Bobcats’ impressive offensive and defensive showings gave them the upper hand over the Saints, a team that has struggled to maintain a winning record despite its scrappy play style.
Friday
Ohio defeated Maryville by a score of 2-1 Friday, scoring the deciding goal in the final 42 seconds to close out a tight, physical matchup at home.
The first period started slow, with only seven shots from Ohio, the lowest period for the team. Both teams were unable to find their way to a goal, ending the period scoreless.
“I didn't love our first couple of minutes, but I thought we settled in after that,” Ohio head coach Barry Schutte said. “They're a very aggressive team, and like to get on the forecheck and really keep it simple and dump pucks in.“
In the second period, Ohio came out and set the tone, getting two shots off in under two minutes. Almost 8 minutes in, senior forward Laker Aldridge found his way to the top of the net, scoring the first point of the game. The Bobcats only held onto the lead for a few minutes before Maryville’s Luke Macleod scored, tying it up 1-1.
“These are two top teams, and it's going to be tight,” Schutte said. ”It's a play here, play there, or save here or save there. I thought our guys were willing to do whatever it took to win the game tonight, whether that's a block shot or take a hit, to make a play, lots of little things lead up to that puck going in.”
In the third period, both teams tried to get shots off to pull ahead and secure the win. Ohio was able to get off 11 shots while Maryville was only able to get off eight, its lowest of the game. With 7 minutes left, Maryville defenseman Vito Biondo got called for roughing after pulling a Bobcat player to the ground by his helmet.
In the last 42 seconds, junior Donovan Burdette found senior forward Hollander Thompson from behind the goal, passed it right to him for Thompson to hit it in for the huge game-winning goal. The Bobcats were able to hold off Maryville for the remainder of the game after goalie Garrett Alderman made a save with seven seconds left in the game.
“That's our best line. If those are seniors, and they've been through it before, and they continue to come through time and time again,” Schutte said.
Saturday
The Bobcats extended their home win streak to 11 games with a 3–1 victory over Maryville, securing the sweep over a very solid Saints team.
The first period picked up where the last game left off: fast and aggressive. An early fight broke out in front of Maryville’s goal, though there were no penalties. In total, seven penalties were called on Ohio and nine on Maryville. Schutte credited the team’s success to its ability to kill the clock while down a player.
“They're going to fight for their lives,” Schutte said. “They don't want to get swept up down the road. They want to try and come out here at some point. So we knew, as we battled, I thought for the most part, we kept our composure. The majority of that stuff and the penalties were just a good, hard-fought game on both sides.”
Six minutes and 15 seconds into the first period, the Bobcats struck first. Barron Stibbe scored after blocking a pass and taking it straight to the net.
Two minutes and 48 seconds into the second period, Lance Mengel fired a deep shot past the goalie for Ohio’s second goal, making it 2–1.
In the third period, Will Cohen added an insurance goal, giving the Bobcats some breathing room and putting them up 3–1. They did not need any more, as goalie Matt Zazon stopped every remaining shot. Zazon finished with 35 saves on 36 shots.
“We have to get healthy,” Schutte said. “We got some guys banged up, but with that comes opportunity, we've had some other guys step up. We got a big weekend coming up in Chicago.”
Next weekend, Ohio plays against three of the top-10 teams in the Chicago showcase. On Friday, it plays against the University of Jamestown, Saturday is the University of Nevada-Las Vegas before taking on Drury.
“It's going to be just like this weekend, but our focus is on us,” Schutte said. “We want to continue to prepare properly and try and put our best self out there and have fun while we're doing it.”
