It was a roller coaster ride for the Ohio club hockey team during the winter intercession.
The Bobcats were on the up and up going into break thanks to a big win on the road against arch-rival Penn State - Ohio's first win against the Icers away from Bird Arena since 1997.
Then the season seemed to take a sudden turn for the worse when the Bobcats dropped back-to-back games for the first time this season in games against West Virginia and Lindenwood.
However, Ohio rebounded, and the team won its last three games, retaining the No. 2 ranking in the American Collegiate Hockey Association. Back on the right track The Bobcats traveled to Chicago on Dec. 9 for a series with Robert Morris College. Both games were crucial Central State Collegiate Hockey League games.
The 'Cats remained undefeated in CSCHL play as they swept Robert Morris, 4-0 on Friday and 5-1 on Saturday.
Ohio freshman and Chicago native Paul Marshall was between the pipes on Friday night. Marshall's performance provided Ohio with their second consecutive shutout.
(Playing in front of his hometown) meant a lot to (Marshall)
Morris said. He had a tough loss to West Virginia. He played really well against West Virginia but our offense wasn't clicking.
On Saturday night, Ohio scored all five goals with a power-play advantage.
With Marshall proving that he can play, the Bobcats have a reliable back stop backing up Ryan Baksh. Morris said that Marshall and Baksh give his team a 1-2 punch.
I think we're bringing (Marshall) along Morris said. Ryan is one of the best goalies in the ACHA. It's nice now to have another guy that the guys are comfortable playing in front of. Ready for #1 Illinois The winter break provided the Bobcats a chance to bond together.
Morris said the players and team started to learn their identity while being in town together by themselves.
The upperclassmen got to know the freshmen a lot better
Morris said. They were together all day
every day. They had to get along.
Hanley agrees with his coach, as he and his teammates were forced to live together during break.
The dorms are closed
so everyone had to live together
Hanley said. I think the team got closer.
Ohio is going to need the newfound bonds this weekend when the Illinois Fighting Illini - last year's ACHA national champions - come to Bird Arena.
The Illini are currently the only undefeated team in the ACHA. Ohio and Illinois are the only teams that remain undefeated in CSCHL games.
When we get back to our fans
we'll be ready
Morris said. We got No. 1 Illinois coming
and it's a great chance for us. We get Illinois at home this year. We have a good chance right off the bat to get right back in hockey.
