After struggling the past two weekends on the road, the Ohio hockey team got back on track this weekend, defeating conference rival Kent State 8-2 and 4-2.
All week we made adjustments and had a good week of practice
Ohio coach Dan Morris said. Our guys understood our adjustments and did a great job executing.
On Friday night, the Bobcats (12-5, 8-2 Central States Collegiate Hockey League) started off strong, building a 4-0 lead by the second period. Right wing Paul Warriner led the early charge, tallying a goal and an assist in the first period for the Bobcats.
We had a really solid week of practice where we worked on defined system work Warriner said. We worked really well as a team for the first time in a while.
After building up a four-goal lead, the Bobcats did not let up, tallying four more goals in the 8-2 victory over the Golden Flashes (11-4-1, 0-4 CSCHL). Center Jim Fuhs registered two goals and one assist while Warriner added one goal and two assists for the Bobcats.
Even though they do not have the captains' letters on their jerseys they are still the leaders of the team
Morris said of Fuhs and Warriner. They were elected by their teammates and they still have to fill that role.
Saturday's game did not start as smoothly for the Bobcats, as they fell behind 2-0 after the first period. However, they fought back after their early struggles to tie the game after two periods and eventually win the game 4-2.
After falling behind early 2-0, Morris replaced veteran goaltender Ryan Baksh with backup netminder Derek DeFelice to wake up his team.
In that situation both goals scored were not Ryan's fault because they were missed assignments
he said. It's a big deal to make a goalie change
and they realized that they let Ryan down. When Derek came in
the players did not want to do the same to him.
Following the goalie change, the Bobcats did not allow a goal the rest of the game. Ohio took the lead late in the third period when left wing Clay LaBrosse found the net off a solid assist from center Dave Fitzgerald. Forward Brandon Fackey's goal late in the third period would ensure a series sweep for the Bobcats.
This win puts us right back where we want to be
LaBrosse said. That four-game losing skid was tough
but these two big wins are good for our squad.
Next weekend, the Ohio hockey team will play at home against Drexel before traveling to Iowa State and Western Michigan. Following these road games, the Bobcats will have a month off for winter break, returning home to Bird Arena Jan. 5 for a six-week home stand.
17
