The Bobcats' implausible late-season run has yet to reach the finish line.
A team that a few months ago struggled to form an identity has dispatched two of the nation's top teams on its way to a sixth league championship two weeks ago.
But the final assault looms in the sternest test of the season.
Ohio locked down the No. 10 seed in this weekend's 16-team American Collegiate Hockey Association National Tournament in Gates Mills. The Bobcats will face No.7 seed Rhode Island in the first round tomorrow afternoon.
The similarities between the two clubs are striking. They are both defensively responsible, puck-possessing units that rarely make mistakes. They are also led by elite goaltenders.
And they're both well coached, too.
Tomorrow's first round matchup between the Bobcats and Rams features two of the nation's most successful coaches. Joe Augustine of Rhode Island recently returned from the World University Games in China, where he served as coach of the United States squad.
Under his watch, the Rams won the 2006 national title and have had 19 consecutive winning seasons.
Any team we play from here on is going to be like this
coach •Dan Morris said. They play a patient game they have good goaltending and they don't make many mistakes.
Right now, it's the attention to detail that really helps you out.
On the other side Morris has led arguably the tournament's most surprising team to another league title
and is seeking his second ACHA national crown. His group
including 15 freshmen
has played beyond its years since Jan. 1 and adapted Morris' mistake-free style.
We're learning how to be opportunistic and patient, Morris said. This is a simple brand of hockey, and it's been successful.
Rhode Island comes in looking to redeem a disappointing showing in their league tournament
suffering a 6-3 drubbing from Delaware in the semifinals.
Characteristic of any successful postseason team
the Rams have excellent special teams
led by a stellar penalty-killing unit. Freshman goaltender Joe Spagnoli has been the story for the Rams.
The Bobcats are aware that success in the pressure of the playoffs lives and dies with special teams.
Special teams are so important for us right now, winger Billy Hemann said. Our penalty killing was phenomenal at the league tournament, and we shut down some of the top power plays in the nation.
Our power play is going to be a big factor for us coming down the stretch.
Another element of the Bobcats' motivation this weekend is a second chance. Earlier in the season, they struggled against top teams like Lindenwood and Penn State, leaving some to believe they had no chance of contending for a national title.
Lately
we've proven that we could do this
Hemann said. People might have been skeptical because we played games against the powerhouses and got swept or split.
But it's different now-the guys are buying in and believing in each other.
,",2,Sports,Rob Mixer,27545a.jpg,Freshman center Michael Schultz outstrips two West Virginia players and heads towards the goal during Ohio
