Forward Brandon Hanley entered the third annual American Collegiate Hockey Association Showcase with three goals. However, he doubled his total this weekend, keying Ohio's two victories and a tie with No. 4 Rhode Island.
It is fun to play teams that you don't get to play normally during the year
Hanley said. We gave a pretty good effort all weekend. It was important working as a team and keeping team-oriented instead of worrying about individual goals.
Ohio (9-1-1) took 62 shots Friday night, en route to a 4-1 victory over Buffalo. The first two periods ended with Ohio and Buffalo tied 1-1, but the Ohio offense exploded for three goals in the final period. Paul Warriner, Jim Fuhs, Hanley and Robbie Farmer all scored for the Bobcats.
Outstanding goal tending by both teams were key to the game, Coach Dan Morris said.
The Bobcats and Rhode Island battled to a 3-3 tie Saturday night. Dave Fitzgerald, Ryan Tessmer and Hanley scored for the Bobcats, while goalie Ryan Baksh had 31 saves. Baksh also started Sunday, and Morris said he had an excellent weekend. Ohio entered the third period of Saturday's game with a 2-1 lead, but Rhode Island scored to tie the game. With only 1:24 left, Ohio scored a power play goal to give the team a 3-2 lead. However, Rhode Island pulled their goalie with 44 seconds to play and scored the tying goal, Morris said.
The Ohio and Rhode Island game was the marquee matchup of the weekend, and the game did not disappoint, Morris said.
The level of play was great Morris said. It was about as even as you could get. It was extremely fast-paced and well-played by both teams. Both teams made adjustments and corrected to the adjustments. It's kind of funny that there was no winner; both teams remained undefeated in ACHA play. It's fitting.
